In response to the question: “Do we want 30 trucks or 10 rail cars rumbling near our homes?” The correct answer, the only wise answer, is we do not want, nor do we need, either (“Railroad, development bring jobs,” Our Readers’ Views, Dec. 30).
Over 500,000 residents were living in Clark County in 2022. Chelatchie Bluff Mine (whose owner lives out of the country) might bring 100 jobs, or 0.0002 percent. Yet, the mining of Chelatchie Bluff will potentially destroy the water quality, ecology, land values, living conditions and the community of over 500 Chelatchie residents. The railroad will frequently rumble 45 to 50 feet from homes, all while only bringing the county $50,000 annual income — estimated to be eaten up in added road, rail repair and maintenance costs.
In almost 10 years, Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad has paid almost nothing to the county for its lease. If Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad succeeds in obtaining a 2-mile-wide swath of land along the entire 33-mile track, then thousands of landowners could lose their property to heavy industrial plants and the railroad via eminent domain. This is a lose-lose for Clark County. It will wreak havoc at all levels of our community and our environment. We deserve better. Stop the Chelatchie Bluff Mine. Terminate the lease with Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad.
