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Docket #: - - -
Subject: *NS sale to Watco in Michigan
First Name: *Nisan
Middle Name:
Last Name: *Chavkin
Address: *920 Sherman Avenue
City: *Evanston
State: *Illinois
Zip Code: *60202-1704
Email Address: *nchavkin@flash.net
Group/Affiliation:
Message:I was very disturbed to learn of the proposed sale of Michigan railroad track by Northern Southern to WATCO Industries. I wish formally to register my opposition to this transaction. In my view, the sale would be a grave mistake that has negative implications for both business and recreational rail passengers not only in western Michigan but throughout the Midwest.

The State of Michigan and federal government have invested tens of millions of dollars to improve track and signals to enable high speed rail passenger trains to travel 90 mph currently and 110 mph by the end of the year. Reflecting the increased attraction of passenger rail, the Amtrak Wolverine, using the above track sold 142,185 tickets for the period ending January 30. 2007, a six percent increase over 2006.

I am concerned that, given WATCO's poor record and limited financial capability, the new top speed for passenger and freight rail may decline from 79 mph to a top speed of 45 mph. This decrease in speed may indeed block development of the Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative and the Ohio Hub, seriously lowering the efficiency of the Midwest's entire passenger rail system.

Although I live in Illinois and work in Chicago, I have used Amtrak for my business travel in Michigan for several years, and I have just concluded a consulting arrangement with clients on the Western Shore that was SPECIFICALLY PREMISED ON CURRENT AMTRAK ROUTES AND TRAVEL TIMES. Moreover, my family uses Amtrak whenever we travel in Western Michigan for recreation and vacation. My personal and professional experiences are not unique.

Moreover, there are sound economic, national security, and ecological reasons to support, not hamper, faster rail service. At a time when United States citizens are experiencing record gas prices and our population is growing older, it is more important than ever to for the Surface Transportation Board to assure time-competitive and safe passenger rail. Our national security depends on modern infrastructure that is less reliant on foreign energy. And the adverse carbon impact of greater automobile usage and reduced rail impact concerns me and my family as well. For all these reasons, the sale to WATCO is not a good investment in the future.

I believe it would be far better for the Norfolk Southern to offer this track for sale to the State of Michigan and Amtrak rather than to unilaterally decide to sell to a short line that does not have the economic viability to maintain prime railroad track to existing speeds.

Thank you for considering my views. I very much look forward to your response.
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