STB Issues Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Mesa, Arizona

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for the proposed construction of approximately six miles of new rail line in Mesa, Arizona by Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP).  The proposed line would connect UP’s Phoenix Subdivision main line to industrial properties southeast of the Mesa Gateway Airport.

The Final EA responds to comments received on the Draft EA and sets forth OEA’s final recommendations, including final recommended mitigation measures, to the Board.  Issuance of the Final EA completes the Board’s environmental review for this project.  The Board will now consider the transportation merits and the entire environmental and historic record, including the Draft EA, Final EA, and all comments received as part of its final decision.

The Final EA in Union Pacific Railroad Company—Construction and Operation Exemption—in Maricopa County, Ariz., Docket No. FD 36501, may be viewed and downloaded from the following links:  Final EA, Appendices.