Canadian Pacific Railway submitted an application to acquire Kansas City Southern rail network. If the merger is approved, it could result in an additional 8 freight trains traveling through Itasca daily within 3 years.
As part of the application process, the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) wants your input and has extended accepting public comments through January 3, 2022.
Itasca has four at-grade crossings vehicle crossings between Prospect Ave and Rohlwing Road – a span that is approximately 1.75 miles. Should the merger be approved, freight trains exceeding 2 miles in length will regularly run through town and may result in significant impacts to public safety, grade crossing safety; motor vehicle traffic and roadway system delays; and air quality and noise.
Mayor Jeff Pruyn encourages all concerned citizens and businesses in Itasca to submit comments regarding to the Surface Transportation Board today. Mayor Pruyn submitted official Village comments to the STB, which are available here.
Itasca is coordinating with neighboring communities that will also be impacted by the rail acquisition. Additional updates will be provided to the community throughout the STB review process.
Click on the Link Below to Submit YOUR comments today:
Surface Transportation Board - Provide Input
https://cp-kcsmergereis.com/involvement.htm