For more than two years All Aboard Florida has made every effort to convince the public that its rail project is unstoppable. Many in the media have even called for surrender.
Then, last month a U.S. District Court judge ruled against All Aboard Florida. Treasure Coast counties are now allowed to proceed with legal challenges to the permits issued to All Aboard Florida. The deal is not done. Forget the white flags.
Indian River County Led The Way
Indian River County quickly issued a letter questioning the public interest test for All Aboard Florida and the biological opinion of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The challenges included a failure to:
- Adequately address safety and welfare of the people
- Identify the project’s socioeconomic impacts
- Identify the project’s adverse noise and vibration impacts
- Provide accurate wetland delineations
Martin and St Lucie Joined In
These two counties are seeking a hearing on the proposed issuance of an environmental permit by the South Florida Water Management District. They believe there are major flaws with the permit that could lead to loss of wetlands, degraded water quality, harm to endangered species and threats to quality of life. And just yesterday, Martin County said it would submit an alternative route to Federal and State agencies that AAF ignored in the the DEIS. That westerly route would reduce the number of rail crossings and avoid two bridges.
These Counties Deserve Praise
Local County Commissions have stood firm in fighting All Aboard Florida. Without their commitment AAF would have been left unchallenged. The media who promote surrender are wrong. Taxpayer money is not being wasted, it’s paying off.
A Marathon, Not A Sprint
At The Guardians of Martin County, we’ve always known fighting All Aboard Florida would be a long process. When pockets run deep, the process runs long. But, we believe the tipping point has been reached. The “done deal” is coming undone. All Aboard Florida can be stopped. The fight to save our communities can’t.