News Release

Union Pacific Rail Decision Doesn't Signal The Time To Stop

YUMA, Ariz. (May 2, 2007): The decision by Union Pacific Railroad not to bid on a rail line from a planned port in Mexico may not completely close the door on the company's plans in the Yuma Valley or the impact of the proposed port, according to Arizona Common Sense, Inc., Chairman Dave Mansheim.

"Now is not the time for Arizona Common Sense to sit and watch from the backseat. We need to fully understand what this means. For that reason, we plan to continue looking at this complex issue - whether it's Union Pacific or someone else involved - to ensure that the public gets the information that we as a community need to make an informed choice," he said. "I'm very strongly convinced that this is not dead yet, and we won't really know how this action will impact the proposed port and rail line into the United States for some time."

"There are a lot of questions that remain unanswered," he added. "For example, we need to ask questions about overpasses in Yuma County and who will pay for them. At a cost of $20 million for each crossing and UP only responsible for 5 percent of the cost, that leaves the taxpayers with a pretty hefty burden. Shouldn't we be addressing this?"

Arizona Common Sense formed after Union Pacific announced its proposed rail route through Southern Yuma County. ACS has not opposed the rail line, just the route that had been proposed because of the significant impact on roads, traffic, safety, health, the environment and quality of life.

"Even with this announcement, there are side issues that still must be addressed and require our continued focus and vigilance," Mansheim said. "One issue that has been somewhat overlooked is the fact that even if UP doesn't build a rail line between Punta Colonet and its Sunset Route, we could see significantly increased rail traffic through Yuma. How? Union Pacific lines going east from Punta Colonet have fewer grade level changes, making them less expensive to haul goods and products. Even if UP doesn't allow other engines to pull on their lines, they could still generate significant business - and traffic - by subcontracting with other railroad companies to haul their goods."

Another key issue is ensuring passage of HB2020, which will require the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to review any railroad proposal to acquire land through eminent domain or at auction, and would authorize the ACC to hold a public hearing, take comments and ensure that alternatives are examined and potential impacts are minimized.

Mansheim said he believed that the response from the community to the route proposed by Union Pacific may "at some level have contributed to the thinking that went into UP's decision."

"We have sent a very strong message that speaks to the power of a unified voice when the community comes together, but we can't sit back and take a deep breath and pat ourselves on the back," he said. "This is too important an issue and we will be researching, identifying and defining just what this announcement means to us not only today but in the future."

He said that the response to the issue so far points out that "as a community, we are not willing to let others decide the future of Yuma and the surrounding areas" and that this will not be the only issue the organization will address.

"Every member of ACS has a vested interest in the future of this area. But we also have jobs and families that are our priority," he said. "We're not designed, nor do we want to be, an organization that takes on every issue that surfaces. We plan to be very cautious and equally strategic in determining which issues to address."

In responding to Union Pacific's initial proposed route, Arizona Common Sense "was very consistent in letting both UP and the community know that we wanted to work with the railroad to find a more appropriate route that would mitigate the downsides relating to safety, traffic, impact on business and growth and on the environment."

As for Union Pacific and the proposed Punta Colonet Port, Mansheim said ACS wants to "understand why the railroad decided to take this action and how it will affect the bidding process and those who are still involved or remain interested."

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