The proposed maintenance and layover facility for Brunswick West
BRUNSWICK – Sen. Angus King has written to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requesting a full investigation of the potential environmental impacts of the overnight maintenance and layover facility proposed for the Brunswick West neighborhoods.
In his letter to FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo, King also urged the FRA to “conduct a full, fair and transparent Environmental Assessment process” for the facility, and include all stakeholders in the process.
“When the FRA releases the draft (environmental assessment), including all stakeholders in the comment process is essential,” King wrote. “The proposed facility will abut residential and commercial zones that have an interest in maintaining Brunswick’s environmental integrity. The FRA should provide these neighbors with an ample opportunity to express their concerns and to offer their suggestions.”
“Additionally, I ask that the FRA fully investigate each of the aspects of potential environmental impacts detailed in the May 26, 1999 FRA Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,” King wrote. “The air quality, water quality, and noise and vibration investigations, I believe, deserve the FRA’s closest attention.”
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) has proposed the construction of a huge $14-$16 million overnight maintenance and layover facility that will service the passenger trains running between Boston, Portland and Brunswick. NNEPRA is preparing a draft environmental assessment detailing the impacts from the project, but its release has been delayed and as yet no public hearings on the assessment are scheduled.
In writing the letter, King joins other public officials, including Gov. Paul LePage, U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, Brunswick Town Councilor John Perrault and in particular State Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, all of who have voiced support for an open and transparent process for the siting of this facility.
“On behalf of the Brunswick West Neighborhood Coalition, I want to thank Sen. King for his letter and his solid support for a fair and open process,” said Dan Sullivan, chairman of the coalition. “Our members have many concerns about this facility – the excess noise and vibration, the safety of the residents, especially children who live near the site, the increase in toxic air pollution this will cause, as well as lower property values. We don’t feel we’re being listened to and reasonable alternative sites for the facility are being brushed aside in favor of this one that will destroy a good Brunswick neighborhood.
“With the help of Sen. King and especially Senator Gerzofsky, we look forward to participating in a full, fair and transparent process,” added Sullivan. “And we hope other residents of Brunswick will understand that Brunswick West is simply the wrong place for a huge industrial facility like this. We need to get this right.”
For more information see www.SaveBrunswickWest.com
Contact: Dan Sullivan, 207-449-2761