For Immediate Release

 May 2, 2003

Washington, DC - Congressman Gene Green expressed frustration that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) staff recommended the approval of the San Jacinto rail construction project in East Harris County.  The STB board members will vote on the project Friday May 9, 2003.

 

“The STB did not respond to hundreds of public comments, including ones from elected officials,” said Green.  “They let this project slice up East Houston, and did nothing for unsafe at-grade crossings.”

 

Congressman Green is the sponsor of the Neighborhood Rail Accountability Act (H.R. 413) which would require the STB to give greater weight to public comments for project in residential areas, determine whether a project has a disproportionate impact on minorities, and punish the submittal of false or misleading information during STB proceedings.

 

“I hope the Board is wise enough to halt this project, but if not, I will do what I can to help the community continue the fight,” Green said, looking forward to the next weeks vote.