A rail line connecting the Uintah Basin with outside markets could be a game changer for northeastern Utah’s economy and an invitation has been extended for those interested to come to a public meeting on Thursday and express their support of the project. A board meeting for the 7 County Infrastructure Coalition is being held on Thursday afternoon in Vernal and public input will be accepted on the matter of the Coalition seeking funding for the potential rail line project’s EIS, planning, and requirements to get to regulatory approval. “We are getting to a key decision point,” explains Coalition Executive Director Mike McKee. “Getting this funding will be the kickoff to making a rail line happen. It’s likely to take 3 years for the EIS with the hope that the rail could be built within 5 years.” Depending on cost considerations, the rail would run between the Uintah Basin and possibly Rifle or Craig, Colorado where it could connect with national rail. Supporters believe this possibility could help address the transportation constraints in the Uintah Basin that are seriously costing the economy. The state of Utah conducted a study a few years ago that showed that $29 billion dollars is at stake if Uintah Basin transportation constraints are left unaddressed, and that amount is being lost at a rate of $1 billion dollars each year. “Right now oil and gas production is capped by how much can go to the Salt Lake market but this rail line opens the Uintah Basin to markets on the gulf coast and the rest of the United States,” explains McKee, “and not just for oil and gas but also agricultural and other economic ventures. I encourage residents to come to the meeting Thursday and support this project.” All are welcome to offer input during the public hearing on Thursday at 1:30pm in the Uintah County Commission’s Conference Room.
