A merger announced Monday means that a refinery asset located in Uintah County is set to relaunch operations, this time to refine Uinta waxy crude, possibly by next summer. Mark Michel, Chairman for Integrated Rail and Resources Acquisition Corporation(IRRX), spoke with Evans Family Media and commented on the prospective Uinta Basin Railway project. “We welcome the rail being approved by the US Supreme Court which will make transportation much easier, more efficient, and safer in and out of the region,” stated Michel. “We are anxious to grow the refinery and be able to foster commerce and economic development using better transportation methods but to be clear this refinery is not owned by the same entity. It will enjoy the transportation benefits that the railroad will bring but the two are not tied together. The refinery will be able to stand on its own with or without the railroad.” Still, Michel emphasized that there will be a lot of added benefits for industry and the community if the railroad is constructed.
