Sam Brownback: “Mr. President, the impact of this merger is of great importance to the community of Wichita, KS. Since the railroad runs…”

“Mr. President, the impact of this merger is of great importance to the community of Wichita, KS. Since the railroad runs through the center of the city, the increased train traffic resulting from the merger may affect significantly the flow of traffic through the city. Various alternatives to mitigate this impact are currently being considered, including the building of grade separations through the city or the building of a bypass around the city. The Surface Transportation Board is currently evaluating the feasibility of each of the alternatives, and is expected to release its recommendations for easing the impact of the additional trains in early September. The language that I am requesting to be included in the Record would simply state that the STB should revisit its recommendations if any substantial changes are made in the assumptions used to complete this study.”