HomeMy WebLinkAboutLETTER ALL NATIONS COMMUNITY CHURCH 4
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ALL NATIONS COMMUNITY CHURCH
321 Normandy Street
Waterloo,Iowa 50703
319-226-5448(voice)
319-235-4447(fax)
Rev. Dr. Mary Robinson, Pastor
April 28, 2008
Mayor Tim Hurley
and
Members of the City Council
Waterloo, Iowa
RE: LS Power Plant
First let me begin by saying that I have gone on record in other venues expressing opposition to
the proposed LS Power Plant, primarily due to transportation issues and the disparate impact
they will have on a part of our community that has the least voice, namely the Northeast Side of
Waterloo. After reviewing Dr. William M. Stigliani's study, entitled, "Human Health Effect of
Emissions of Particulate Matter and Recommended Functional Role of Public Health in Black
Hawk County," I have now added the issue of the disparate health impact that will be caused by
building this plant.
Transportation:
For decades those living on the northeast side of Waterloo have complained about the rail lines
that tie up traffic, sometimes for miles. Some even went so far as to present petitions to the
council a few years ago. I have personally observed children walk over stalled rail cars in order
to get to and from East High School. I have been in discussions with teenaged members of my
church who say that they cross these stalled cars many times a week. And now I am being told
that this same thing happens in the Longfellow Elementary School area. Nothing has ever really
been done. Now we have the additional burden of the rising fuel costs and the additional gas that
will be used just to go around stalled tracks. If the coal plant is built these factors will add an
additional and overwhelming burden to an already overburdened system. I have heard rumors
that actual rail lines have not been decided. This does not matter, as we would only be moving
the problem from one area of the Northeast side to another area of the Northeast side. If the vote
for the plant is in the affirmative, then what plans does the city have to ensure that the current
transportation problems are cleared up and that more will not present themselves? This is too
important an issue to be left up to the railroad company, as there has been no improvement in the
past. This is an issue that must have city and community involvement. It is also not a problem