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• • DRAFT <br />Attachment to Letter From <br />Mayor of La Porte, TX <br />• Dated January 10, 2002 <br />Additional Comments Re~ardin~ <br />Draft Environmental Impact Statement for <br />Port of Houston Authority's Proposed <br />Bayport Channel Container/Cruise Terminal <br />Almost 2 '/z years ago we issued a position paper on the expansion. For the purpose of <br />record keeping, we are resubmitting it to you as it was written and delivered to your <br />agency on August 17, 1999. <br />1) The development will bring about changes in our community which are disruptive <br />and more than just a nuisance. Homes on the north side of the channel to Bayport <br />will experience noise, air pollution, lighting, and shoreline erosion problems. <br />These issues, if not addressed, will cause the property owners' land values to be <br />lowered, and their ability to sell their homes would be very difficult without <br />taking a loss. If the Port Authority cannot correct these real estate concerns, then <br />consideration from the Port Authority should be given to buying out the homes at <br />fair market value, which abut the development. <br />r~ <br />U <br />2) The proposed development will bring with it major rail and vehicle transportation <br />issues which will impact the City of La Porte and will affect neighboring <br />communities. The proposed development will cause delays at rail crossings of <br />major thoroughfares such as Fairmont Parkway, Shoreacres Boulevard, and Red <br />Bluff Drive. Consideration from the Port of Houston must be given to working <br />with local jurisdictions to resolve traffic concerns. In addition, the Port Authority <br />should petition the State of Texas Highway Department to insure that State <br />Highway 146 and State Highway 225 roadways are designed and constructed in <br />advance to provide for the growth of the area and this development. It is <br />recommended the Port Authority approach the State Highway Department to <br />create a specialized truck lane on State Highway 146 to isolate the truck traffic to <br />and from port facilities. The Port Authority should actively take a lead role in <br />insuring rail crossings have overpasses and should also seek ways to fund these <br />overpasses and their construction before the proposed development occurs. <br />3) The proposed development will add significant air pollution issues that cannot be <br />ignored. The Bayport facility will generate additional air pollution from its use of <br />diesel trucks, diesel ships, diesel cranes, and diesel vehicles that will operate at <br />this location. The Port Authority should study the impact of this air pollution to <br />the surrounding communities and to Harris County. Consideration should be <br />given to using equipment that uses a cleaner burning fuel alternative. In addition, <br />consideration should be given to the placement of air monitoring devices along <br />