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6/1/2023
The Surface Transportation Board Office of Environmental Analysis yesterday issued a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed construction of a Union Pacific Railroad line in Mesa, Arizona.
The 6-mile line would connect UP's Phoenix Subdivision mainline to industrial properties southeast of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, according to an STB press release.
The office is seeking public input on the EA, with comments due June 30.
UP's proposed Pecos Industrial Rail Access and Train Extension (PIRATE) line would meet the transportation and logistics needs of existing and future manufacturers in Mesa's Pecos Advanced Manufacturing zone and adjacent areas, according to the EA. Currently, large industrial companies in the zone rely only on trucking for transporting manufacturing materials and shipping finished products, as the nearest transload facility is UP's Loup Logistics facility 40 miles away.
UP intends to provide businesses such as Commercial Metals Co., Fujifilm and other industrial operations in the zone with rail service and a connection to the Phoenix Subdivision's mainline.
The EA can be read here.