The TC Palm – Fort Pierce officials seek more information on rail project

By Donald Rodrigue

FORT PIERCE — City Planning Manager Rebecca Grohall will recommend commissioners ask for more details from All Aboard Florida during the City Commission’s Monday morning meeting.

Grohall’s recommendations come after studying the draft environmental impact statement released by the Federal Railroad Administration on the potential impact of the company’s trains on areas along its planned route.

Grohall’s report from her research reflects concerns about possible negative effects All Aboard Florida’s proposed 32 daily passenger trains could have on city traffic flow, potential damage to the city’s historical structures from increased vibration and additional noise pollution in Fort Pierce’s inner-city neighborhoods. The report also expresses concern about the possible negative impact on local recreation areas and the company’s requirement of a sealed corridor running through downtown Fort Pierce to protect the public from the high-speed trains.

Grohall’s report states the impact statement lacks “meaningful, quantifiable data” and wants All Aboard Florida to re-evaluate the report and provide information she can use to make a proper determination on the potential impacts to the city.

The meeting is at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 10 in the second floor conference room of City Hall, 100 N. U.S. 1, Fort Pierce.