A railway is destined for northeastern Utah and representatives from the Uinta Basin Railway, LLC and Seven County Infrastructure Coalition have shared their gratitude for the final approval issued this week from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. According to their press release, the Uinta Basin Railway will enable efficient, environmentally sound railway transportation service to northeastern Utah’s industries and businesses, and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. “On behalf of our Seven County Infrastructure (SCIC) board members, I would like to thank the STB for their comprehensive review of the project.” said SCIC Executive Director Mike McKee. “It is important to note that we would not be where we are today if it were not for the superb cooperation of our stakeholders, the Ute Indian Tribe, federal, state, and local agencies, our elected officials, and the public. We appreciate all of the hard work that has already gone into the railway and look forward to the continued hard work that will bring this project to completion.” The Surface Transportation Board identified the Whitmore Park Alternative as its Environmentally Preferable Alternative for the railway because it would avoid or minimize major environmental impacts compared to the two other build alternatives. “We are grateful to the Board for its decision, and to the STB and the federal, state, local, and tribal cooperating agencies for their careful, thorough, and expeditious preparation of the railway’s Environmental Impact Statement,” said Uinta Basin Railway President Mark W. Hemphill. “…Our public partners, the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, and their Executive Director Mike McKee, have put enormous effort into this railway for nearly a decade. We’re honored to participate in their vision for the economic success of their counties and communities.” The STB’s license enables construction and operation of the Uinta Basin Railway by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. Uinta Basin Railway, LLC, will finance, construct, and operate the railway. For more information on the Uinta Basin Railway, please visit www.uintabasinrailway.com.
