Not that it matters, but I say bad. Yes, jobs are a good thing, but long-term jobs that involve activities that don't threaten our ecosystems, public safety, and day-to-day quality of life are the kind we need, IMO.

Here are a few of my concerns:

* More train traffic means more traffic delays. In smaller towns with only at grade crossings (like the one I live in), that also means less and slower access to emergency services.

* More noise.

* Reduced real estate values, due to the above.

* Increased risk of accidents at rail crossings.

* High potential for catastrophic environmental damage, especially to critical marine habitat.

* Next to none of the economic benefit will be local, yet all the messes left behind when the projects end will become local liabilities.

* We'll pay more at the pump due to false claims of reduced domestic supply (that's already happening).


Please discuss. Being as these projects are moving forward, despite significant public opposition, I would take comfort in hearing about whatever meaningful, long-term benefits to our region these projects will bring.