The recent decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to refuse to issue a permit to All Aboard Florida (AAF) without further environmental studies deserves our appreciation.
The Army Corps says it will not approve AAF permits to build a section of the Miami-to-Orlando railroad because there’s not enough information about potential environmental damage to federal waters, including wetlands.
Further, the Corps issued a strong warning to AAF that if proposed work begins without proper permits it would be in violation of Federal laws.
Indian River County has already urged other agencies to follow the lead of the Army Corps in re-evaluating the environmental impact of AAF and Martin County may do likewise.
We strongly support this move by the Army Corps. At the same time, we urge the agency to require that AAF readdress the issues of avoidance and minimization as they apply to AAF wetland impacts and to order a rewrite of the Alternatives Analysis of AAF’s western route, which was inadequate as submitted.
The preservation of our environment depends on governmental scrutiny and subsequent action to prevent the type of damage AAF will do to the areas cited by the Army Corps. The protection of human life demands similar actions to stop All Aboard Florida from invading our communities.
We have drafted an email letter to the Army Corps praising their actions on the permit application, and once again requesting further study of the other issues cited above that will impact the environment. Please click the link below to send this letter under your name today.