16th district Congressman Don Manzullo has issued the following press release about the Draft Environmental Impact Study by the Surface Transportation Board:

Manzullo: Taxpayers Should Not be Burdened with Costs to Mitigate Problems Created by CN Rail Purchase

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo issued the following statement reacting to the Draft Environmental Impact Study issued today by the Surface Transportation Board regarding the planned purchase of the EJ&E Rail line by the Canadian National Railway. CN plans to run an extra 15 to 20 freight trains each day on the line through Barrington, which would create significant traffic and safety hazards for McHenry County motorists:

“I’m very disappointed in the Surface Transportation Board’s response and the problems it will create for McHenry County motorists who drive through Barrington each day.

“The STB clearly states that motorists will face significant delays and safety hazards if Canadian National is allowed to purchase the EJ&E line and run an extra 15-20 freight trains through already congested Barrington each day.

“But then the STB washes its hands of any solutions, stating the overall plan will improve rail congestion throughout Chicagoland and the Canadian National should only have to pay 5 to 10 percent of the cost to mitigate the problem areas.

“As a result, taxpayers will be required to fund the hundreds of millions of dollars in improvements needed to mitigate the public problems caused by this private transaction.

“It’s ridiculous, and I will continue to work closely with my Congressional colleagues to ensure the taxpayers of McHenry County are not burdened by this deal.”