Date: Thu, 20 Nov 1997 17:40:42 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Thu, 17 Jul 1997 13:54:57 GMT ETag: "113c-b42-33ce2431" Content-Length: 2882 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html
KANSAS CITY, Mo --July 16, 1997
The Kansas City Southern ("KCS'') Railway Company expressed its support of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS''), issued by the federal Surface Transportation Board ("STB''), on KCS's application to construct and operate a new rail line through a sparsely populated area of Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The DEIS, which was released on July 16, found that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment on, or adjacent to, the construction area.
The proposed nine-mile rail line would connect the three manufacturing facilities of BASF Corp., Shell Chemical Co. and Borden Chemical and Plastics with KCS's main line just north of the Town of Sorrento, Louisianaa. All three facilities are located in Geismar, Louisiana.
"We're pleased with the STB's report,'' stated KCS president and chief executive officer, Michael R. Haverty. "We commend the Board and its staff for conducting a thorough study of the project and taking into serious consideration all the questions and concerns of the interested parties.''
"The DEIS confirms what KCS believes about this project - it has been well planned, it will support transportation safety in the region, and it will introduce rail competition in the Geismar market,'' Haverty continued. "This project will provide an economic gain for Ascension Parish and its citizens, as well as for the three manufacturing plants.''
The proposed new rail line will help alleviate projected increased highway congestion in rapidly growing Ascension Parish. One rail car carries the equivalent of 4-1/2 trucks. Moreover, rail transportation has been demonstrated to be the safest mode for the movement of chemical and petroleum products.
KCS has stated that it will operate under a self-imposed low speed limit of 25 miles per hour on the line through Ascension Parish. The new line will utilize continuous welded rail that minimizes noise and will consist of a new track structure and several new grade separations and crossings, all of which are also designed to provide for a safe operation.
The public comment period on the DEIS will be 45 days. After comments are considered by the STB, the federal agency will release a Final Environmental Impact Statement ("FEIS'').
Contact:
Kansas City Southern Industries Inc., Kansas City William H. Galligan 816/983-1551
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