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Washington, DC - Congressman Gene Green today criticized the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed San Jacinto Rail project released today. The Draft EIS claims that the environmental impact on the East End will be “negligible.”
“I am extremely disappointed in the conclusions reached by the STB,” said Green. “The STB failed to consider the impact this new rail line would have on the quality of life in the East End. If this draft document is finalized, the East End will have additional train traffic on lines through neighborhoods and near schools.”
In letters to the STB, Green asked that at a minimum, the STB require the building of three grade separation crossings to help residents enter and exit their neighborhoods. The STB refused to consider this option.
“The STB has more authority than it is exercising,” Green added. “Instead of taking a bold step and helping protect the residents of the East End, they will be forcing us to enter even more information for the official record. I strongly encourage the residents of the 29th Congressional District to write the STB with specific information about how this proposed rail project will negatively impact their lives.”
The Surface Transportation Board is conducting a public meeting on the San Jacinto Rail Project on January 15, 2003, at Cesar Chavez High School at 7:00 pm.
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