I am alarmed at what would happen if the county were to proceed with its current plans to industrialize central Clark County. Utilizing the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, the county plans to allow development of a 400-acre gravel mine, the Chelatchie Bluff Mine. Gravel from this mine will travel by rail via long, slow-moving freight trains that will block road traffic. Operation of this mine will also impact drinking water supplies for much of the county.
Amazingly, the county also plans to allow industrial development all along the 33-mile length of the railroad. Extensive residential development has already taken place along the same right of way. This puts residential use in direct conflict with industrial development.
This leads me to make two recommendations. First, the county should terminate the lease with the operator of the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad. Second, the county, in working with the state, should repeal the legislation that has enabled this development.
