06/22/2016
Terror on the Tracks - Fortress Increases Terror Threat for Thousands
We could not have said it better ourselves: “Terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred… on the transportation systems in Madrid and London …may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Our rail lines and facilities could be direct targets …Such effects could be magnified where releases of hazardous materials are involved.” FEC Holdings, SEC 10-Q filing, September, 2012
As Floridians reel from the Orlando massacre and Treasure Coast residents are aghast at the proximity of the Islamic terrorist’s home, we call on our elected officials to do everything in their power to stop Fortress Investment Group’s railroad expansion and move the system west of our towns to less populated areas. By building a second track along the heavily populated coastal region to double freight capacity for Florida East Coast Rail and add All Aboard Florida passenger service, hedge fund Fortress is greatly increasing the chances of terrorists using the system to kill thousands of people.
The 100 year old Flagler route includes over 100 at-grade crossings through just three counties (Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties). Going from 14 trains to over 50 trains per day through the Treasure Coast gives terrorists 5,000 opportunities daily to park a truck full of explosives on the tracks and cause massive death and destruction.
Adding to this threat is the hazardous material carried by many FEC trains including Ethanol, Chlorine Gas and Liquefied Propane Gas. As exposed by Citizens Against Rail Expansion (CARE) and St. Lucie Village (Ft. Pierce, FL) in letters to FEMA in April, there is an even greater risk with the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant units within 2 miles of the FEC tracks. A Haz Mat explosion near the nuclear plant turns both into a weapon of mass destruction!
No amount of crossing equipment designed to deter accidents will thwart a determined terrorist!
There is no reason, except hedge fund profits, that the 19th Century rail system should be expanded to carry 21st Century freight and bullet trains non-stop through our coastal towns. In the past 100 years, our towns, railroads and terrorism have changed. Flagler could never have imagined the use of his railroad to carry highly volatile chemicals, operate trains at 110 mph or become a death threat to thousands of residents.
It would be ironic if the train track that inspired the development of so many south Florida communities would lead to their destruction. Why risk it? The tracks must move west!
Fortress must be stopped from putting profits over lives.
