Great Lakes Basin Transportation (GLBT) plans to file a request with the Surface Transportation Board seeking authority to construct and operate an approximately 278 mile rail line.  According to GLBT, the proposed rail line would extend generally from LaPorte, Indiana through Illinois to Milton, Wisconsin and would connect with existing Class I railroads. 
    The Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed rail line.
    OEA has extended the comment period for EIS Draft Scope of Study until June 15, 2016.  The 10 public scoping meetings will begin with a 1-hour open house followed by a brief presentation by OEA and a formal public comment period during which interested parties will have the opportunity to convey oral comments.  The meetings are listed below:

• April 11th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Manteno Sportsmen's Club Banquet Hall, 851 North Main Stree, Manteno, IL
• April 12th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at Aberdeen Manor Ballroom, 216 Ballantrae Street, Valparaiso, Indiana
• April 12th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Veterans of Foreign Wars Large Hall, 17401 Morse Street, Lowell, Indiana
• April 13th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at American Legion Banquet Hall, 203 South Washington Street, Wanatah, Indiana
• April 14th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Civic Auditorium Banquet Room, 1001 Ridge Street, LaPorte, Indiana
• April 18th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Craig High School Cafeteria, 401 South Randall Street, Janesville, Wisconsin
• April 19th from 10:00 am to 12:30 PM at Community Building Complex of Boone County Auditorium, 111 West First Street, Belvidere, Illinois
• April 19th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Ellis Academy, Multi-Purpose Room and Auditorium, 222 South Central, Rockford, IL
• April 20th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Rochelle Township High School Auditorium, 1401 Flagg Road, Rochelle, Illinois
• April 21st from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Seneca High School Auditorium, 307 East Scott Street, Seneca, Illinois

Project specific information may be found on the Board's website at www.stb.dot.gov under "Environmental Matters", then click on the "Key Cases" button in the drop down menu and then select "Great Lakes Basin".  For additional information about the Board's environmental review process and this EIS, mapping and other resources, you may also visit the Board-sponsored project website at www.GreatLakesBasinRailEIS.com