(The Associated Press circulated the following on May 21.)
GARY, Ind. — Indiana’s two U.S. senators and a congressman are fighting Canadian National Railway’s request to speed up the federal review of its proposed purchase of a rail line through northwestern Indiana.
The proposal has gained support from the city of Chicago, which would see a decrease in rail traffic and congestion if the sale of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway goes through. It is opposed in some Chicago suburbs and in northwest Indiana, where rail traffic through some communities would triple.
Rep. Pete Visclosky and Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., have been united in opposing CN’s proposed purchase of the 198-mile EJ&E line.
The three said Tuesday the deal threatens plans to expand the Gary/Chicago International Airport and the South Shore commuter rail line. They also said putting 34 trains per day on some EJ&E segments would bisect communities and tie up traffic.
“This is a matter of public concern and the STB (Surface Transportation Board) should not hasten its ruling for CN’s private gain,” Visclosky said in a statement.
Visclosky, D-Ind. said northwestern Indiana resident would be greatly affected by the purchase and should have the opportunity to voice their concerns.
Canadian National wants federal regulators to conclude its environmental review of the proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway by Dec. 1. It wants the federal Surface Transportation Board to approve the merger by the year’s end.
The federal agency has not set any deadlines for completing its work.