CLEAR LAKE, Tex. — In a significant move against the proposed San Jacinto Railroad line, Congressman Nick Lampson has written the Secretary of the Department of Transportation a letter denouncing the controversial project, the Clear Lake Citizen reported.
“I write today to respectfully request your assistance regarding an important transportation issue in Southeast Texas,” Lampson starts the letter addressed to Secretary Norman Mineta.
Lampson then briefs Mineta on the proposed line, a 12.8-mile stretch of railroad that would run from the Bayport industrial district around the northern edge of Clear Lake City to Highway 3 at Ellington Field.
The project is being proposed by the San Jacinto Rail Ltd., a partnership between several area industries and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail company.
The partnership contends that Union Pacific, which holds exclusive rights to the existing rail lines in the surrounding area, is overcharging them. With the new line, competition would drive down those prices, the partnership says.
However, Lampson echoed much of the sentiment around town in his letter to the secretary – none of which is positive.
“Understandably, many people in the local communities have expressed strong concerns over this proposal,” Lampson says in the letter, pointing out that the line would run near residential neighborhoods, schools and parks.
Lampson says he has heard from scores of citizens who feel the proposal is contrary to the best interests of local communities. “The danger to residents, including a large number of children attending schools adjacent to the proposed line, has been recognized by the public as a major problem,” Lampson writes. “The associated impacts on the environment and the quality of life of the local area are also substantial.”
Another topic discussed in the letter is the potential negative impact the rail line would have on NASA and the Johnson Space Center.
Lampson describes JSC as a “critical federal facility” in Clear Lake, and says its operations may be significantly impacted by the rail.
“While I recognize the economic benefits of the proposed rail line to some local industries, the potential dangers and negative impacts simply weigh too heavily, in my judgment,” Lampson writes.
“Therefore, I have stated my opposition to the project as currently exists.”
Lampson also touches on a possible solution, one that many residents and government officials have called for: For BNSF and Union Pacific to work out a plan for appropriate use of existing lines.
“This could allow cargo transport without the need for a new line,” Lampson tells Mineta. “I, Therefore, respectfully request that you support local efforts to facilitate effective discussions among the relevant rail companies.”
Currently, the San Jacinto Rail Limited is awaiting a permit from the Surface Transportation Board to begin construction on the rail line.