The battle is heating up as Mr. Michael Millsap, a resident living alongside the CM&P has submitted a letter to the STB opposing the transaction. Mr. Millsap's argument boils down to three major points:
https://dcms-external.s3.amazonaws.com/ ... 301425.pdf
- Return of trains would lower property values
- Return of trains would increase noise pollution and accidents
- The Arkansas River Valley has fared just fine in the 25 years since the railroad was put out of service
Mr. Millsap's point of view is understandable. Based on his letter, I go assume that a lot of people living in the Arkansas River Valley aren't too thrilled about the prospect of trains coming back.
Of course, the counter-argument is that the railroad was never abandoned to begin with, just "Out of Service." Meaning that the owner of the railroad has the right to put trains back on it whenever they want.
Barbecuing in Chessie's backyard. Host of "Shortline's Rail News & Comment."