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Just some more FYI on this---I live very close to the existing part of this line. The line is in horrible shape; litterally the cars bob and sway as they swager down the line at 15mph. This project will not only upgrade the entire main line across south dakota to class I standards, but be the first construction on this scale of new rail for years. Locally, the project has had a terrible reception with anyone who can oppose it, doing so. People do the no realize the benefits of upgrading the line and only fear an increased number of trains in their backyard. DME president Kevin Schiffer has done a super job trying to quell these complaints but quite honestly many people are not open minded in this area. The DME itself is a great train-watching railroad, as they were formed on the basis of catering to smaller industries rather than the large railroad who seem to no longer want to spot "just one car" for a small shipper. But, with the condition of the line, it became clear that the railroad would not be able to address it's backlog of matenance issues inherited from the CNW on this income. In short, they need this project just to keep their track in usable order; if you come take a look you'll see why. If you'd like to see this project take place, you can help. Our local lawmakers have received mostly negative feedback on this project from everyone from environmental groups to local residents. This has led to a someone negative attitude on their part towards the project. They need to know that the project has support, will bring jobs, and that there are many areas supporting 50-60 trains per day with minimal disruption. This is a big one. Many people here fear this because they have no experience or have never seen areas with this much rail traffic. Those who live in areas like this can provide insight. Here are just a few contact you may consider writing to in support of this premier project: DME hompage: www.dmerail.com local lawmakers: http://www.dmerail.com/XML_Files/congress.htm local newspaper: www.brookingsregister.com opposition groups: http://www.brookings.com/ctic/ http://www.me3.org/issues/coaltrain/semnalert.html Please realize that this project is in a very fragile state right now. Opposition very well could qwell funding thus killing the project. But with help and support of train enthusiasts like us, lawmakers and residents can hear the truth and facts about modern railroads rather than the the rumor like: Trains automatically explode into a toxic cloud when they derail. Coal trains cover everything in black soot as they pass by. Modern locomotives operating on welding rail are not quieter than old, poorly maintained locos running on 39 ft. bolted rail. I hope you will help by writing lawmakers (especially the STP board members: Minnesota Representatives Rep. Gil Gutknecht - gil.gutknecht@mail.house.gov Rep. James Oberstar - oberstar@mail.house.gov Rep. Oberstar represents the 8th district and is the ranking Democrat on the committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Rep. Martin Sabo- martin.sabo@mail.house.gov Rep. Sabo is on the Transportation subcommittee Rep. David Minge www.house.gov/writerep/ Rep. Minge represents the 2nd district through which the DM&E line enters MN Minnesota Senators Senator Paul Wellstone - senator@wellstone.senate.gov Senator Rod Grams - mail _grams@grams.senate.gov Senate STB Oversight Committee Members Senator Trent Lott - senatorlott@lott.senate.gov Senator John McCain - John_McCain@mccain.senate.gov Senator Fritz Hollings - senator@hollings.senate.gov Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson - senator@hutchinson.senate.gov to newspapers, and even the DME itself to let them know that there are still train supporters out there. Bruce McNeary jeepskickass007@yahoo.com
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