Commissioner Greg Miles, Commissioner Jeff Chugg, Commissioner Tracy Killian, Deputy Attorney Tyler Allred, Drew Eschler with Roosevelt City, Ryan Clayburn, Jon Stearmer, Lynn Sitterud, Jenny Adams, Travel & Tourism Director Ryan Lundstrom, Irene Hansen, Russell Grant, Greg Buxton, Steven Rodgers, Cody Ivie, Cody Deeter, Tim Stratton, Tonya Murray, Kyla Allred, Michael Hawley, Willis LeFevre, Sonja Norton, and Commission Executive Assistant Melissa Hughes is taking the meeting minutes.

Chairman Miles welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that the public hearing is being conducted for the purpose of receiving comments and hearing discussion concerning the proposed adoption by the Issuer of a resolution approving the issuance by the Issuer of the Bonds and the financing of the Project pursuant to the Plan of Finance. All members of the public are invited to attend and share their views in person or submit written comments.

Tim Stratton introduced himself and explained that he is the Bond Council representing the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. He described the purpose of the public hearing and the requirements for obtaining tax-exempt bonds for the Uinta Basin Railway project.

Irene Hansen of Roosevelt introduced herself and spoke in strong favor of the railway. She showed a map of the U.S. Railroad Lines. She pointed out that the rail lines in the eastern U.S. are more prominent than in the West. She thinks the railways were a primary reason for keeping Detroit in business in the early days. She served as the Economic Director for many years and was a member of several boards, working to establish a railway to the Uinta Basin. It is now the time for the rail to come to the Uinta Basin. She said this is a noble and financially viable cause. She speaks very strongly in favor of the project.

Willis LeFevre, a Uintah County Commissioner, shared a story from his youth. He worked on railway spurs and saw a massive improvement in each area's economy. He said that it would help improve the economy of the Uinta Basin. He is in favor of the railway.

Drew Eschler with Roosevelt City spoke in favor of the railway. He echoed the others’ comments. He knows it will grow and support the economy.

Steven Rodgers spoke in favor of the railway. It will be an environmental advantage, not a disadvantage. The current traffic situation is a hazard to the public.

Commissioner Jeff Chugg read the letter that was submitted by Redge Johnson, Director at the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO). The letter expresses their strong support for the project. A portion of the letter reads: Since the project’s inception, PLPCO has partnered with the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Surface Transportation Board to navigate federal regulatory challenges. This project presents a unique opportunity to address one of Utah’s most pressing logistical challenges while unlocking the significant economic potential of the Uinta Basin.

For decades, the growth of the Uinta Basin has been constrained by its geographic isolation. The region’s rugged mountainous terrain has restricted the ability of manufacturing and natural resource industries to efficiently transport products to larger state and national markets. This transportation bottleneck has significantly hindered the economies of Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett counties, stifling diversification and creating new opportunities for residents. The Uinta Basin Railway offers a direct and effective solution to this enduring challenge.