CIB Approves Remaining Funding for Uinta Basin Rail EIS

Utah’s Permanent Community Impact Fund Board met for their monthly meeting on Thursday, this time in Vernal and drew a big crowd of locals there to support one of the agenda items concerning funding to complete the EIS process for the proposed Uinta Basin Rail project. After a long and thorough discussion, the $21.4 million dollars in funding was approved with a 9-1 vote and was followed by applause from the crowd. Even Gregg Galecki, the board member whose voted against, stated that he supported the project. He said he believes it’s the right project but that there needs to be more exploring of other funding options. 20 protesters attended the meeting and stood in the crowd in opposition. Stickers on their chest read: “We are being Railroaded.” One protester was arrested for disruptive behavior including yelling and interrupting the meeting business. All protesters who were asked, said they were from outside the Uintah Basin.