January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1 Letter of Concurrence; U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 

(USFWS), November 20, 2012

Exhibit 2 Letter of Concurrence, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 

November 26, 2012

Exhibit 3 Letter of Concurrence; Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources, 

November 6, 2012

Exhibit 4 Public Comments

Part 1: Omitted

Part 2: Copies of Comments from Citizens

Part 3: Copies of Comments from Elected Officials

Part 4: Copies of Comments from Agencies
 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 1

LETTER OF CONCURRENCE 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

NOVEMBER 20, 2012



 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 2

LETTER OF CONCURRENCE

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

NOVEMBER 26, 2012


 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 3

LETTER OF CONCURRENCE

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION 

OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 4

PUBLIC COMMENTS

PART 1: OMITTED
 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 4

PUBLIC COMMENTS

PART 2: COPIES OF COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:07:54 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Kasey Hayes

Address: 2850 Coconut Ave. Apt. 11

City: Miami

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33133

Email: kaseyhayes@gmail.com

Message:

All Aboard Florida will provide additional transportation options and

connect the region in a way that is very necessary. It will benefit

the environment because there will be a decreased need for car travel

between Miami and Orlando. It will also create jobs and encourage the

use of other forms of transportation. I support this project!

Sent from (ip address): 70.151.58.3 (70.151.58.3)

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.NET CLR 3.0.30729; Media Center PC 6.0; MS-RTC LM 8; .NET4.0C)
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 8:50:49 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Piret

Address: 2559 Trapp Ave

City: Miami

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33133

Email: info@piretdesign.com

Message:

The impact seems completely minimal, and having a functional train

would be ideal.

Sent from (ip address): 98.242.144.111

(c-98-242-144-111.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)

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From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell, Mark

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 11:23:06 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Denis Eirikis

Address: 254 Las Palmas Street

City: Royal Palm Beach

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33411

Email: eirikis@clearlightpr.com

Message:

This comment is sent in support of the All Aboard Florida Project that

will bring a much-needed alternative transportation mode to the State

of Florida. For more than two decades, reestablishing passenger

service along Florida’s east coast corridor has been a top priority of

the residents and business owners in Florida. With the All Aboard

Florida Project, South Florida will be able to satisfy the need to

enhance the transportation system through the implementation of a

fast, dependable and efficient intercity passenger rail service that

will benefit our region and the entire state by improving mobility and

developing connectivity options.

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by

providing a transit solution to South Florida’s overwhelming traffic

problems, the All Aboard Florida Project will also spur economic

development within local communities and the State and create jobs.

There are also many environmental benefits from the All Aboard Florida

Project. Offering this additional transportation option could remove

up to one million cars from Florida’s roadways annually, mitigating

traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions and Florida’s overall

carbon footprint. The system will also serve as a link to existing

transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a more seamless

mode of travel for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit

and promoting sustainability.

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon

emissions, the benefits of a new regional passenger rail system will

extend beyond the rail’s destination points. I support the All Aboard

Florida Project and hope that you recognize the transformational

effect that it will have for our state and region.

Sincerely,

Denis Eirikis
Sent from (ip address): 174.48.79.72

(c-174-48-79-72.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)

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From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, November 05, 2012 10:44:41 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Cindy Costa

Address: 4003 Toledo St

City: Coral Gables

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33146

Email: cindyhillcosta@gmail.com

Message:

All Aboard Florida will provide additional transportation options and

connect the region. It will benefit the environment, create jobs and

encourage the use of other forms of transportation. I support the

project.

Sent from (ip address): 207.67.15.22

(207-67-15-22.static.twtelecom.net)

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CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.0.04506.30; .NET CLR 3.0.04506.648; .NET CLR

3.5.21022; .NET CLR 3.0.4506.2152; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; InfoPath.2;

MS-RTC LM 8)
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, November 12, 2012 5:18:13 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Alicia Banuchi

Address: Monroe Street @ 21st Ave North Dixie Highway

City: Hollywood

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33020

Email: aliciab26@bellsouth.net

Message:

As opposed to your analysis Preferred Build Project Alternative, the

All Aboard Florida Project will have a proportionately high adverse

severe noise impact on the low-income minority populations and

businesses in the surrounding communities-- and not just minority

“Hispanics” as you so predominantly target in your draft proposal

dated October 31, 2012. (Ethnicity - Presence of Population.)

As identified in Section 3.1.7 of the Environmental Assessment, the

Draft Proposal states that severe noise impacts will directly affect

“non-white” racial minorities. (It is not clear whether this includes

non-white Hispanics.) Severe noise will affect “5,934 sites within

102” (out of 138 studied) “census tracts.” 56.9% of those tracts will

be affected.

Additional analysis shows that those 58 (56.9%) affected tracts

contain 3,430 (57.8%) of the severe noise impact locations. (Table

3-3.30)

The Preferred Build Project Alternative will not eliminate nor

alleviate significant noise impacts. “Warning horns” at grade

crossings only create more noise on both sides – train, and stationary

wayside horns. People already living and affected by FEC railway noise

crossings can testify to the subjection of vibrations and unnecessary

prolonged honking of trains running 24/7, which average two (2)

passing trains per hour primarily in the A.M. hours. The All Aboard

Florida train will only add to the frequency.

Therefore, it is imperative and requested that Public Meetings be

held, to include the local businesses and residents of those

communities that will be affected directly by the noise and impending

disruptions encompassing All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project,

West Palm Beach to Miami, Florida, before any further approvals and/or
bids are accepted.

Sent from (ip address): 50.138.109.134

(c-50-138-109-134.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)

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Gecko/20100101 Firefox/16.0
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 11:33:44 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Amir Aminian

Address: 1331 Brickell Bay Drive, #3409

City: Miami

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33131

Email: amir@yablenlaw.com

Message:

All aboard Florida will provide additional transportation options and

connect the region.

I support All Aboard Florida

Sent from (ip address): 76.108.189.22

(c-76-108-189-22.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)

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Trident/4.0; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; InfoPath.2;

.NET4.0C; .NET4.0E; IPH 1.1.21.4019)
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 7:45:13 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Brian Thorniley

Address: 2711 Buckhorn Preserve Blvd

City: Valrico

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33596

Email: bkt1966@verizon.net

Message:

As a resident of Florida for over 15 years, I must express my support

for this project. It will benefit all of Florida and the environment

by taking cars off the road, reducing pollution, and by creating an

alternative to building more (and bigger) roads. All Aboard Florida

needs to expand to Tampa and Jacksonville as soon as possible. State

and federal government agencies need to work with All Aboard Florida

as much as they can. Let's get this done!

Sent from (ip address): 71.180.62.22

(pool-71-180-62-22.tampfl.fios.verizon.net)

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Safari/7534.48.3
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, November 12, 2012 5:27:47 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Martin Antonio

Address: 2205 Nw 70Th Ave

City: Miami

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33122

Email: tw_martinjr@hotmail.com

Message:

This will provide additional transportation options and connect the

South Florida region. Hopefully It will benefit the environment?

Create jobs and encourage the use of other forms of transportation for

daily and even an alternative to travel for leisure. Our roads are

extremely congested and traffic will only continue to worsen as more

people move to and visit Florida. This project has potential. It can't

come soon enough.

Sent from (ip address): 69.199.243.98 (69.199.243.98)

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Safari/537.11
From: RLowry98@aol.com

To: Peate, Martin

Cc: ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com; sbramson@bellsouth.net

Subject: All Aboard Florida

Date: Monday, November 26, 2012 9:10:50 PM

Dear Mr. Peate,

My name is Bob Lowry. I am an independent consultant in electronic materials science. You can see

my background and experience at www.electronic-materials.com.

This letter is to express support of the All Aboard Florida concept for fast passenger rail service

between Miami and Orlando. I have clients and colleagues who spend several days at a time in Florida

on business. They visit clients and/or attend conferences in both the South and Central Florida areas.

AAF service will clearly benefit them when they travel between the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando

areas. AAF will allow them to conduct business while traveling between those points, as well as making

it unnecessary for them to rent a vehicle for at least a portion of their travels within the state.

I look forward to the startup of All Aboard Florida, and anticipate that it will benefit the state as well as

hundreds of thousands of both business and pleasure travelers within Florida.

Best regards,

Bob Lowry

Robert Lowry

Electronic Materials Characterization

Consulting in electronic materials analysis

Phone: 321-777-9949

Fax: 321-777-9949

Mobile: 321-698-8367

Website: www.electronic-materials.com

3000 Purple Martin Lane

Indialantic, FL 32903
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, November 26, 2012 11:17:53 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Angela Andreola

Address: 700 North Andrews Avenue

City: Ft Lauderdale

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33311

Email: mercedeslady@bellsouth.net

Message:

This project will breathe new life & opportunity into downtowns that

are is such need of a way to bring people into our cities & to bring

these areas to life . jobs , growth, developement, cars off the

highway, substainable transportation, just to name a few. After

listening to the All Aboard team it seems this company really cares

about this project and how it will effect the communities they are

going to be a part of in a positive way . Hope to ride the rails soon

!

Ms Angela Andreola

Ft Lauderdale business owner.

Sent from (ip address): 65.82.185.224

(adsl-065-082-185-224.sip.bct.bellsouth.net)

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AskTbORJ/5.15.4.23821)
1

Peate, Martin

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 1:06 PM

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; 

colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell, Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form  

Name: Margaret Atkins

Address: 677 Ne 24th St. #301

City: Miami

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33137

Email: mmatkins@gmail.com

Message:

I fully support the All Aboard Florida project. As a frequent traveler from Miami to Orlando for business purposes, having

an additional transportation option that provides service directly to the Orlando Airport from downtown Miami in a

cost‐efficient and environmentally responsible manner is of paramount importance. Currently, the most efficient way of

traveling between these two destinations is via car along the already crowded I‐95 corridor or Florida Turnpike. As

someone who does this drive very often and alone, it is not only contributing to the continued wear and tear on our

highways, but pollution from the car exhaust. The All Aboard Florida project will allow my car (and many others) to be

removed from the road and our pollutants from the air. I am looking forward to the successful completion of the project.

Sent from (ip address): 12.203.16.140 (12.203.16.140) Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All‐Aboard‐

FL/comments.php

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Trident/5.0)


THE BEACON COUNCIL 

Miami-Dade 

November 30, 2012 County’s 

Official 

Mr. Martin A. Peate Economic 

All Aboard Florida do URS Corporation Development 

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway Partnership 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

80 Southwest 

Re: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service Connecting Eighth Street 

Downtown West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami with one stop in Downtown Fort Suite 2400 

Lauderdale (the "All Aboard Florida Project") Miami, 

Florida 

Dear Mr. Peatet: 33 1 30 

Telephone: 

This letter is sent to you in support of the All Aboard Florida Project that will offer an additional 305.579.1323 

transportation mode to the State of Florida. The All Aboard Florida Project will provide South Facsimile: 

Florida the ability to enhance the transportation system through the implementation of a fast, 305.37 5.0475 

dependable and efficient intercity passenger rail service that will benefit our region and the entire www beacon 

state by improving mobility and developing connectivity options with all of our transportation council corn 

modes. E-mail: 

The system will also serve as a link to existing transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer 

nero' eacon 

a more seamless mode of travel for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit and promoting cuunci .com 

sustainability. 

I Frank R. Nero 

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by providing a transit solution to President & Chief 

South Florida’s overwhelming traffic problems, the All Aboard Florida Project will also spur Executive Officer 

economic development within local communities and the State and create jobs. 

There are also many environmental benefits from the All Aboard Florida Project. it is my 

understanding this additional transportation option could remove up to one million cars from 

Florida’s roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions and 

Florida’s overall carbon footprint. By creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and providing and 

reducing carbon emissions, the benefits of a new regional passenger rail system will extend beyond 

the rail’s destination points. The Beacon Council supports the All Aboard Florida Project and hope 

that you recognize the transformational effect that it will have for our state and region. 

Sincerely, 

Frank R. Nero 

President & CEO 

cc: All Soule, All Aboard Florida 
330 N. E. 96th St.

Miami, FL 33138 

November 26, 2012 

Mr. Martin A. Peate

All Aboard Florida 

c/o URS Corporation 

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

Dear Mr. Peate:

This letter is for the purpose of expressing total and absolute support in favor of and on 

behalf of the plans of All Aboard Florida (AAF) to begin Miami—Orlando passenger 

train service in the next several years, and I ask that you share this letter with any and all 

appropriate parties.

Simply put, the steel wheel on the steel rail is the single most efficient way of moving 

goods or people ever devised and the number of automobiles and buses that the AAF 

project will remove from our roads and highways, the decrease in congestion, the 

reduction in airline operations between the two cities, the decrease in pollutants and the 

business opportunities presented by AAF are inestimable. Simply put, the project is 

beyond “a good idea” or “should be done,” but rather, it is something that must be done, 

and done in as expedient a manner as possible. 

Almost every person who I have spoken with regarding the project is in favor of it and I 

truly feel as if I am a one-man PR operation on behalf of the project but this initiative 

warrants this type of individual enthusiasm and I will continue to do what I, as an 

individual, can do to “talk up” and promote all that All Aboard Florida is proposing. 

With all good wishes. 

Sincerely,

Seth H. Bramson, Adjunct Professor of History and Historian in Residence, 

Barry University

Adjunct Professor of History, Florida International University and Historian in 

Residence, FIU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Adjunct Professor of History, Nova Southeastern University Lifelong Learning Institute 





Kevin J. Thibault

Chairman, 2012

William Bachschmidt

Tom Barry

Patrick Beyer

John P. Browning

Robert Burleson

Frederick Burman

Jay H.L. Calhoun

Robert J. Clark, Jr.

Lowell Clary

Don Crane

Courtney Cunningham

James H. Davis

Joseph Debs

Howard “Butch” H. Eley

Craig Elmore

Barry Fiandra

Maryam Ghyabi

Shelley Gisclar

Ken Hartmann

Bob Hartnett

Bill Hunter

Ram Kancharla

L. Patrick Kelly

Cliff Kirkmyer

Sia Kusha

Frederick W. Leonhardt

John M. Lewis, Jr.

William H. McDaniel, Jr

Ken Morefield

David Nelson

Mary Lou Rajchel

Randy Ringhaver

Frank Rudd

Sen. Jim Sebesta

Neil Spirtas

Robert F. Stuart

Stanley Tate

John Temple

Leo Vecellio, Jr.

Robert Vickers

Christopher Warren

Wes Watson

Thornton Williams

Doug Wheeler

George Williamson

Mike Willingham

Mark A. Wilson

Staff:

Matthew D. Ubben

President

Britney Anderson

Business Coordinator

Ms. Sydney Schneir

Federal Railroad Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Ms. Schneir:

On behalf of Floridians for Better Transportation (FBT), a statewide business and 

transportation association, please accept the following comments and information 

for the Environmental Assessment (EA)/Section 4(f) Evaluation for the proposed 

All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project – West Palm Beach to Miami, Florida.

As a transportation advocacy organization formed more than 24 years ago, FBT 

remains dedicated to making transportation safer and more efficient in Florida for 

users and providers all across the Sunshine State. Florida continues to have one of 

the highest population and economic growth rates in the United States. This 

extraordinary growth places pressure on the State’s major transportation network 

to provide mobility for resident and visitor populations. 

Today's transportation system serves almost 19 million residents, over 82 million 

visitors, and vast movements of freight within and across the state's border. By 

2040, Florida’s transportation system will need to serve a projected population of 

26 million residents, 120 million visitors annually, and a monumental increase in 

freight movement. Vehicle miles of travel are expected to increase over 70 percent, 

transit trips by 40 percent, air travel will more than double and freight tonnage will 

increase by 39 percent.

In order to meet the state’s mobility needs, Florida has a well developed network of 

limited access highway facilities, as well as a highly developed airport system that 

serves intercity and interstate travel markets. The ability to significantly expand 

those components of the network to meet existing and projected growth is 

becoming limited due to environmental, social, economic and financial impacts.

As an important component of the vision for rail in Florida, the All Aboard Florida 

Passenger Rail Project will create jobs, improve mobility, complement the 

statewide transportation network, provide and enhance economic development 

opportunities, and reduce green house gas emissions. The American Association of 

Railroads estimates that every dollar spent on investment in our nation’s railroads 

– including tracks, equipment, locomotives, and bridges – yields $3 in economic 

output. In addition, each $1 billion of rail investment creates 20,000 jobs.

November 20, 2012 

FBT – Moving Florida Forward!
Ms. Sydney Schneir 

November 20, 2012 

Page Two 

136 South Bronough Street | Tallahassee, Florida 32301

PHONE: 850-521-1256 | FAX: 850-521-1257

www.bettertransportation.org

The purpose of an EA is to determine the significance of the environmental effects

and to look at alternative means to achieve the agency’s objectives. The EA is 

intended to be a concise document that briefly provides sufficient evidence and 

analysis for determining whether to prepare an EIS; aids an agency’s compliance 

with NEPA when no environmental impact statement is necessary; and facilitates 

preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement when one is necessary.

Having reviewed the EA prepared by All Aboard Florida, FBT believes the following 

case has been made: the need for the proposal; alternative courses of action for the 

proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of 

available resources; the environmental impacts of the proposed action and 

alternatives, and a broad listing of agencies and persons consulted, which included

FBT.

We support the All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project – West Palm Beach to 

Miami, Florida.

Sincerely,

Matthew D. Ubben

President
8461 Lake Worth Road Suite 419, 

Lake Worth, FL 33467 

Tel: 561.790.7501 Fax: 480.247.4578 

www.FSHCC.com

November 2, 2012

Mr. Martin A. Peate

All Aboard Florida c/o URS Corporation

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa, FL 33607-1462

Re: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service Connecting Downtown 

West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami with one stop in Downtown Fort Lauderdale (the “All Aboard Florida 

Project”)

Dear Mr. Peate:

This letter is sent to you on behalf of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in full support 

of the All Aboard Florida Project that will bring a much-needed alternative transportation mode to the 

State of Florida. The All Aboard Florida Project will allow South Florida to satisfy the need to enhance the 

transportation system through the implementation of a fast, dependable and efficient intercity passenger rail 

service that will benefit South Florida and the entire state by improving mobility and developing connectivity 

options. 

Moreover, the All Aboard Florida Project will also jump-start economic development within local 

communities and the State and most importantly create jobs. There are also many environmental benefits 

from the All Aboard Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation option could remove up to one 

million cars from Florida’s roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions 

and Florida’s overall carbon footprint. 

Job creation is our top priority at the FSHCC, and by creating jobs, stimulating local economies and 

reducing carbon emissions, the benefits of a new regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the 

rail’s destination points. We fully support the All Aboard Florida Project and hope that you recognize the 

compelling statewide significance that it will have for our state and region.

Sincerely,

Julio Fuentes

President

cc: Ali Soule, All Aboard Florida


November 2, 2012

Mr. Martin A. Peate

All Aboard Florida c/o URS Corporation

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa, FL 33607-1462

Re: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service 

Connecting Downtown West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami with one stop in 

Downtown Fort Lauderdale (the “All Aboard Florida Project”)

Dear Mr. Peate:

This letter is sent to you on behalf of the Hialeah Chamber of Commerce in support of the All 

Aboard Florida Project that will bring a much-needed alternative transportation mode to the 

State of Florida. The All Aboard Florida Project will allow South Florida to satisfy the need to 

enhance the transportation system through the implementation of a fast, dependable and 

efficient intercity passenger rail service that will benefit our region and the entire state by 

improving mobility and developing connectivity options. 

The All Aboard Florida Project will also kick-start economic development within local 

communities and the State and create jobs. There are also many environmental benefits from 

the All Aboard Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation option could remove up to 

one million cars from Florida’s roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion and reducing 

carbon emissions and Florida’s overall carbon footprint. The system will also serve as a link to 

existing transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a more seamless mode of travel 

for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit and promoting sustainability.

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions, the benefits of a 

new regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the rail’s destination points. We support 

the All Aboard Florida Project and hope that you recognize the importance that it will have for 

our state and region.

Sincerely,

Mandy Llanes

Chairman

cc: Ali Soule, All Aboard Florida
COMMUNIKATZ, INC. 

PO Box 370707 • Miami, FL 33137 

Phone 305-573-4455 • Fax 305-573-4466 • www.communikatz.com 

November 14, 2012 

Martin A. Peate 

All Aboard Florida 

c/o URS Corporation 

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

Dear Mr. Peate: 

I want to express my enthusiastic support for All Aboard Florida, which will be a tremendous 

asset for our state. It will be a much-needed transportation link between south and central 

Florida, a route heavily traveled by residents and visitors. 

As a businessman, I have meetings in Orlando and look forward to being able to work during 

those travel hours. Riding All Aboard Florida will eliminate the need to deal with auto traffic or 

airport delays and will make the distance seem shorter. My family in Orlando is also looking 

forward to an easier connection between us. 

Florida East Coast Industries is to be complimented for undertaking this project. It will be a great 

benefit to our state and I look forward to its completion. 

Sincerely, 

Eric S. Katz 

President 

rkatz@communikatz.com

From: Ruth Kurtz

To: Peate, Martin

Subject: Written Comments on EIS for All Aboard Florida

Date: Monday, November 26, 2012 10:40:28 AM

SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS ON THE EIS FOR PROPOSED ALL ABOARD FLORIDA

November 26, 2012

All Aboard Florida – Stations & Operations

c/o URS Corporation

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa, Florida

 Attn: Martin A. Peate

Dear Mr. Peate:

 Operations noise from the passenger trains proposed by All Aboard Florida is

of great concern to me and my family. The potential effects of the noise from the

trains are likely to be very significant. The operating noise will likely adversely affect

our daily lives (what the Environment Impact Statement, EIS, calls the human

environment) and also the value of our property. However, determining definitely if

this is the case is not possible based on the information in the EIS because the EIS is

deficient. That is, even after reading the EIS, I could not begin to determine just

how severe the operating noise would be with respect to our apartment, CityPlace

South Tower located directly next to the FEC tracks at Okeechobee Blvd.

First, it is not clear from the EIS if our building is one of the two multifamily

buildings in Table 3-1.23 categorized as severely impacted. If we are one of the

multifamily buildings referred to in Table 3-1.23, a stationary wayside horn would be

placed at the crossing next to our building and trains approaching the crossing

would not sound their horns. The EIS is deficient because it does not allow us, the

public, to determine whether or not we would get a stationary wayside horn at the

grade crossing, which is intended to at least partially mitigate operations noise.

Please let us know the answer.
Second, some clarification of the EIS is also needed before the public can

evaluate the “human environment effects of noise” from the warning horns that are

always required when trains approach the West Palm station. Regarding these

required warning horns, there is an EIS conclusion that: “There are no noise

sensitive parcels within 500 feet of any of the proposed station sites to be impacted

by the station noise, including horn soundings.” Does this mean that the train

warning horn would only be sounded when the train is within 500 feet of the

station? If so, that would imply that the train warning horn would only be sounded

well north of Okeechobee Boulevard. Please let us know the answer.

 

Finally, why should residents of West Palm Beach have to settle for what

sound like “second-best” solutions to the issue of train noise (that is, the ones put

forth in this EIS.)? It is our understanding that the best solution to horn noise is for

West Palm Beach to be designated an official “Quiet Zone,” as has been done along

other sections of the FEC Railway. Also, why isn’t the FEC being required to use the

latest technology to keep its trains quiet, such as the “vibration reduction

technology” which we have seen Dow Solutions advertise on television. We who are

already here in West Palm Beach have a lot at stake in whether we get first-best or

second-best solutions. And so does the city itself. Horn noise, even stationary

wayside horn noise will be a deterrent to future residential growth and that growth

is vital to this city. West Palm Beach is only partly formed. It needs to be filled in

with more residential growth and the business growth that that will create. We

urge that the proposal be revised to give us first-best solutions.

 Sincerely

 

 Robert Kurtz

 550 Okeechobee Blvd., Apt 823

 West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

 R2kurtz@gmail.com
From: Sydney.Schneir@dot.gov

To: Peate, Martin; Margie.Martinez-Miguez@feci.com

Subject: RE: Written Comments on EIS for Proposed All Aboard Florida

Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 3:02:32 PM

Hello,

The response I sent to Mr. Kurth does not seem to be sufficient for his concerns.

I’d recommend treating his email below as another comment that will be addressed, in some way,

in the FONSI.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Sydney

From: Ruth Kurtz [mailto:r2kurtz@gmail.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 4:23 PM

To: Schneir, Sydney (FRA)

Subject: Re: Written Comments on EIS for Proposed All Aboard Florida

Dear Sydney Schneir -- Thank you for your response. We are unclear about the process here.

 Is this a process of the Federal government or of the private sector? In other words, will the

environmental decision document you refer to be prepared by All Aboard Florida or by the

Federal Railroad Administration? Which entity will release the decision document to the

public? Does the FRA have the responsiblity to affect the content of the decision document

and to determine whether the final document is acceptable or unacceptable? Also, if the

final document does not respond to our specific questions (for example, if it does not indicate

whether CityPlace South Tower is one of the two buildings that would be severely affected

by train noise and therefore qualify for special noise mitigation), what recourse would we

have? Sincerely, Robert Kurtz

On Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 3:43 PM, <Sydney.Schneir@dot.gov> wrote:

Dear Mr. Kurtz,

Thank you very much for your comment. I have passed your email along to the All Aboard Florida

team. Comments to the Environmental Assessment will be catalogued and included in the

environmental decision document, that will eventually be released publically. Any concerns that

are raised during the public comment period, should be responded to in the decision document.

Thank you again for submitting your comment.

Sincerely,

Sydney Schneir

From: Ruth Kurtz [mailto:r2kurtz@gmail.com] 

Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 10:48 AM

To: Schneir, Sydney (FRA)
Subject: Written Comments on EIS for Proposed All Aboard Florida

Dear Sydney Schneir: Below are the comments on the EIS that I have sent to All Aboard

Florida. Do you know the answers to the questions raised in these comments? If so, I would

appreciate very much your contacting me. Sincerely. Robert Kurtz

SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS ON THE EIS FOR PROPOSED ALL ABOARD

FLORIDA

 November 26, 2012

 Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20590

 Attn: Sydney Schneir

Dear Sydney Schneir:

 Operations noise from the passenger trains proposed by All Aboard Florida is of great

concern to me and my family. The potential effects of the noise from the trains are likely to

be very significant. The operating noise will likely adversely affect our daily lives (what the

Environment Impact Statement, EIS, calls the human environment) and also the value of our

property. However, determining definitely if this is the case is not possible based on the

information in the EIS because the EIS is deficient. That is, even after reading the EIS, I

could not begin to determine just how severe the operating noise would be with respect to our

apartment, CityPlace South Tower located directly next to the FEC tracks at Okeechobee

Blvd.

First, it is not clear from the EIS if our building is one of the two multifamily

buildings in Table 3-1.23 categorized as severely impacted. If we are one of the multifamily

buildings referred to in Table 3-1.23, a stationary wayside horn would be placed at the

crossing next to our building and trains approaching the crossing would not sound their

horns. The EIS is deficient because it does not allow us, the public, to determine whether or

not we would get a stationary wayside horn at the grade crossing, which is intended to at

least partially mitigate operations noise. Please let us know the answer.

 Second, some clarification of the EIS is also needed before the public can evaluate

the “human environment effects of noise” from the warning horns that are always required

when trains approach the West Palm station. Regarding these required warning horns, there

is an EIS conclusion that: “There are no noise sensitive parcels within 500 feet of any of the

proposed station sites to be impacted by the station noise, including horn soundings.” Does

this mean that the train warning horn would only be sounded when the train is within 500 feet

of the station? If so, that would imply that the train warning horn would only be sounded

well north of Okeechobee Boulevard. Please let us know the answer.

 

 Finally, why should residents of West Palm Beach have to settle for what sound like

“second-best” solutions to the issue of train noise (that is, the ones put forth in this EIS.)? It

is our understanding that the best solution to horn noise is for West Palm Beach to be

designated an official “Quiet Zone,” as has been done along other sections of the FEC
Railway. Also, why isn’t the FEC being required to use the latest technology to keep its

trains quiet, such as the “vibration reduction technology” which we have seen Dow Solutions

advertise on television. We who are already here in West Palm Beach have a lot at stake in

whether we get first-best or second-best solutions. And so does the city itself. Horn noise,

even stationary wayside horn noise will be a deterrent to future residential growth and that

growth is vital to this city. West Palm Beach is only partly formed. It needs to be filled in

with more residential growth and the business growth that that will create. We urge that the

proposal be revised to give us first-best solutions. 

 Sincerely

 

 Robert Kurtz

 550 Okeechobee Blvd., Apt 823

 West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

 R2kurtz@gmail.com
November 29, 2012 

Mr. Martin A. Peate 

All Aboard Florida 

c/o URS Corporation 

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

Re: Support for the All Aboard Florida Project

Dear Mr. Peate:

This letter is sent to you in support of the All Aboard Florida Project that will bring a much-needed 

alternative transportation mode to the State of Florida. For more than forty years, the Latin Builders 

Association has embodied the interests of South Florida’s vibrant construction industry and led the

way in pursuing opportunities for sustainable development. Reestablishing passenger service along

Florida’s east coast corridor has been a top priority of the residents and business owners in Florida. 

With the All Aboard Florida Project, South Florida will be able to satisfy the need to enhance the 

transportation system through the implementation of a fast, dependable and efficient intercity 

passenger rail service that will benefit our region and the entire state by improving mobility and 

developing connectivity options. 

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by providing a transit solution to 

relieve South Florida’s transportation infrastructure, the All Aboard Florida Project will also spur 

economic development within our community and create jobs. There are also many environmental 

benefits from the All Aboard Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation option could 

remove up to one million cars from Florida’s roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion, 

reducing carbon emissions and decreasing Florida’s overall carbon footprint. The system will also 

serve as a link to existing transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a more seamless 

mode of travel for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit and promoting sustainability. 

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions, the benefits of a new 

regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the rail’s destination points. We at the Latin 

Builders Association support the All Aboard Florida Project and recognize the transformational 

effect that it will have for our state and region. 

Sincerely,

LATIN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. ®

Bernie Navarro 

President 

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 8:03:27 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Marianna Lopez

Address: 1200 Brickell Bay Drive, Apt. 3905

City: Miami

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33131

Email: 1mslopez@gmail.com

Message:

All Aboard Florida will provide additional transportation options and

connect the region. It will benefit the environment, create jobs and

encourage the use of other forms of transportation. I support the

project.

Sent from (ip address): 207.239.163.66 (207.239.163.66)

Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All-Aboard-FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 5.1) AppleWebKit/537.4

(KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/22.0.1229.94 Safari/537.4
1

Peate, Martin

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 1:00 PM

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; 

colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell, Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form  

Name: Alexander Martinez

Address: 7841 Coral Blvd

City: Miramar

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33023

Email: amart117@fiu.edu

Message:

How will the trains be powered? Are there alternative energy sources that can be less impactful on the environment?

Sent from (ip address): 108.87.190.128

(108‐87‐190‐128.lightspeed.miamfl.sbcglobal.net)

Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All‐Aboard‐FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; WOW64)

AppleWebKit/537.4 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/22.0.1229.94 Safari/537.4
1

Peate, Martin

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 7:04 AM

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; 

colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell, Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form  

Name: Kerri McNulty

Address: 1965 Ne 176 Street

City: North Miami Beach

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33162

Email: kerri.mcnulty@gmail.com

Message:

All Aboard Florida will provide a, much needed, alternative mode of transportation between South Florida and Orlando.

With the current state of gas prices and security screenings at airports, rail service to Orlando will be a convenient and,

hopefully, affordable alternative to flying or driving for both the business and leisure traveler. Rail travel is popular,

convenient, and affordable in other areas of the country. It is about time that Florida got on board! I support the project.

Sent from (ip address): 98.254.127.159

(c‐98‐254‐127‐159.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)

Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All‐Aboard‐FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_7_4)

AppleWebKit/536.25 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0 Safari/536.25

1

Peate, Martin

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 2:25 PM

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; 

colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell, Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form  

Name: Natalie Green Moore

Address: 10130 Northlake Blvd

City: West Palm Beach

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33412

Email: neg2030@bellsouth.net

Message:

I am interested in public outreach in support of this needed project.

Sent from (ip address): 208.54.85.190 (mbe5536d0.tmodns.net) Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All‐Aboard‐

FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 9.0; Windows NT 6.1; WOW64; Trident/5.0)

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Friday, November 16, 2012 11:19:49 AM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Shannon

Address: 186 Se 12th Terrace

City: Miami

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33131

Email: smbeach01@aol.com

Message:

All Aboard Florida will provide a much needed form of transportation

in the form of intercity passenger rail. The service will connect the

region and be used by many of south Florida's residents and tourists.

In this failing economy, it will create jobs and encourage the use of

other forms of transportation. I support this project.

Sent from (ip address): 108.223.248.9

(108-223-248-9.lightspeed.miamfl.sbcglobal.net)

Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All-Aboard-FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 5.1;

Trident/4.0; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.0.04506.648; .NET CLR

3.5.21022; .NET4.0C; .NET4.0E; .NET CLR 3.0.4506.2152; .NET CLR

3.5.30729)






1

Peate, Martin

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 9:08 AM

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; 

colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell, Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form  

Name: Cameron Sisser

Address: 2000 South Bayshore Drive

City: Miami

State: Fl

Zip Code: 33133

Email: csisserinc@aol.com

Message:

All Aboard Florida will be a welcome addition for South Florida.

Adding an alternate mode of transportation in the form of intercity passenger rail will help alleviate congestion, enhance

the downtown's, especially Miami, and create jobs. This service can't happen soon enough.

Sent from (ip address): 63.139.138.218 (mail.miamilighthouse.org) Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All‐Aboard‐

FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; rv:16.0)

Gecko/20100101 Firefox/16.0


November 26, 2012 

Mr. Martin A. Peate 

All Aboard Florida 

c/o URS Corporation 

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

Dear Mr. Peate: 

The Urban Land Institute has long been a vocal and proactive supporter of improved transit service, as well 

as transit-oriented development here in Southeast Florida. This letter is sent in support of reintroducing 

transit on the FEC lines throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, as proposed by the 

All Aboard Florida plan. Typical commute times for South Florida residents continue to be significantly 

above the national averages, and over the past several years existing ridership increases for current transit 

service certainly reflect both consumer frustration with crowded roadways and need for more transit 

service. 

Important factors such as enhanced livability and mobility for the region are critical factors to attracting 

more economic development and jobs to this region, which will see more than 2 million new residents over 

the next twenty years. Current roadways cannot handle such an increase of population and mobility tied 

only to automobiles, and transit will be an affordable, viable option. Transit will also assist in lowering 

pollution levels and lead to improved air quality. 

Reintroducing passenger service on the FEC has been studied for many years, and now it is time to make 

it a reality. Such economic investment in today’s marketplace is certainly a welcome sign for our region 

and our state. 

If you need additional information or have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Sincerely, 

Carla Coleman 

Executive Director 


From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Thursday, November 01, 2012 1:38:57 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Zach Vogelsang

Address: 4008 Madison St

City: Hollywood

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33021

Email: zvogels1@gmail.com

Message:

I think the restoration of a dual track railroad is a great idea. It

will help relieve some of the traffic so many of us experience in

those areas. Plus the project will create a number of desperately

needed jobs for the South Florida area. This project has my two thumbs

up!

Sent from (ip address): 172.1.176.22

(172-1-176-22.lightspeed.miamfl.sbcglobal.net)

Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All-Aboard-FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10.6;

rv:13.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/13.0
From: N S JR WEAVER

To: Peate, Martin

Subject: All Aboard Florida

Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 11:39:21 PM

3119 Oakland Shores Drive, C-112

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33309-7514

November 28, 2012

Mr. martin Peate

All Aboard Florida

c/o URS Corporation

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa, Florida, 33607-1462

Dear Sir,

My friend Seth Bramson has advised me of his full support for All Aboard

Florida. I fully agree with his position on this very needed project.

Corridor type rail services have been very successful throughout the United

States from Maine to the Northeast Corridor to North Carolina, Illinois,

California and elsewhere as well. We need to add Florida to this successful

run and I truly believe that All Aboard Florida will help accomplish that. I

wish all concerned all the best in this very worthy project, we need it the

sooner the better.

Regards,

Noel Weaver

Retired railroader 41 years

From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, November 26, 2012 11:10:15 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Barry Yablen

Address: 1331 Brick Ell Bay Drive

City: Miami

State: Miami

Zip Code: 33131

Email: barry@yablenlaw.com

Message:

I support this project

It would be great

I hope it becomes a reality

Sent from (ip address): 166.147.121.155

(alpmspsrvz2ts113-dmz.mycingular.net)

Coming from (referer): http://ursci.com/All-Aboard-FL/comments.php

Using (user agent): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 6_0 like Mac OS

X) AppleWebKit/536.26 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0 Mobile/10A403

Safari/8536.25
 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 4

PUBLIC COMMENTS

PART 3: COPIES OF COMMENTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
eHog

STEVEN L, ABRAMS

Commissioner, Distric t 4

T

PalmBeachCounty 

.

Board of County Commissioners

Governmental Canter, 12th Floor

301 North Olive Avenue

west Pdlm Beach, FL 53401

(561) 555-2204

Fax: (561) 355-4422

E-mail : sabrams@pb c g ov. org

Website : www.pbcg ov. com/

c o unty c o mmis si oner s / di s tr ic t4

Southeast County Complex

345 3. Congress Avenuq Room 112

Delray Beach, FL 33445

(561) 276-1220

Fatc: (561) 276-1297

www.pbcgov.com

"An Equal WortuniA

AfJl:rm a tt v e A c tt o n Emp W er "

@ printed on recfcled paper

November 28,2012

All Aboard Florida

c/o URS Corporation

7650 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa, FL 33606-1462

Attn: Martine Peate

Re: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service

Connecting Downtown West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami with one stop in

downtown Fort Lauderdale (the "All Aboard Florida Project")

Dear Mr. Peate:

I am writing to express my personal support of the All Aboard Florida Project All

Aboard Florida Project will bring a much-needed alternative transportation mode to

the State of Florida. For more than two decades, reestablishing passenger service

along Florida's east coast corridor has been a top priority ofthe residents and business

owners in Florida. With the All Aboard Florida Project, South Florida will be able to

satisf,, the need to enhance the transportation system through the implementation of a

fast, dependable and efficient intercity passenger rail service that will benefit our

region and the entire state by improving mobility and developing connectivity options.

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by providing a transit

solution to South Florida's overwhelming traffic problems, the All Aboord Florida

Project will also spur economic development within local communities and the State

and create jobs. There are also many environmental benefits from the All Aboard

Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation option could remove up to one

million cars from Florida's roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion and

reducing carbon emissions and Florida's overall carbon footprint. The system will

also serve as a link to existing transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a

more seamless mode of travel for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit

and promoting sustainability.

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions, the

benefits of a new regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the rail's

destination points. I support the All Aboard Floridq Project and hope that you

recognize the transformational effect that it will have for our state and region.

Sincerely,

Steven L. Abrams, Chairman

Commissioner, District 4
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, December 03, 2012 3:16:50 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Congresswoman Corrine Brown

Address: 2336 Rayburn House Office Building

City: Washington

State: District Of Columbia

Zip Code: 20515

Email: nick.martinelli@mail.house.gov

Message:

I am writing to express my strongest support for Florida East Coast

Railway’s All Aboard Florida initiative and an expedited environmental

assessment that will allow this project to swiftly move to completion.

The All Aboard Florida project matches well with President Obama’s “We

Can’t Wait” initiative, which aims to accelerate delivery for projects

that can create jobs and facilitate economic recovery. I am convinced

that by having the appropriate agencies working together we can

expedite the permitting process for critical infrastructure projects

like All Aboard Florida without jeopardizing community involvement or

the environment.

This project serves as a perfect example of how the private market

has come to recognize the public’s desire for transportation options

as our roads become more and more crowded in all of our nation’s

metropolitan areas. This environmentally responsible option will bring

more jobs and get commuters and tourists moving faster than they would

be able to travel on any highway. Furthermore, these new lines will

work hand-in hand with Sunrail to enhance the multimodal system that

is expanding throughout the state.

I will continue to work with the Florida East Coast Railway, the

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Department of

Transportation to secure the funding and necessary permits to make

this project a success.

Hon. Corrine Brown FL-05

Member of COngress

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From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 12:58:29 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger, District 6

Address: 115 S. Andrews Avenue/Suite 437c

City: Fort Lauderdale

State: Florida

Zip Code: 33301

Email: sgunzburger@broward.org

Message:

The Environmental Assessment and Section4(F) Evaluation for the All

Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project, West Palm Beach to Miami,

Florida, clearly states the positive environmental and economic

impacts and offsets for the Southeast Florida Region. However, the

document's scope is limited to those impacts and offsets and does not

encompass a very significant health and safety issue of mine.

Specifically, I am very concerned the increased train traffic

resulting from the addition of up to 16 to 19 roundtrip passenger rail

trains per day will impede my constituents' abilities to access

emergency medical care. With only at-grade crossings throughout

Southeast Broward County, the frequency of those crossings being

closed to vehicles at peak hours for train traffic will surely delay

timely access to trauma and emergency hospital care. This is

especially so for the large population residing east of the FEC

Corridor and having to travel west to reach hospitals such as

Hollywood Memorial, etc.

Accordingly, while I can favorably comment on the Environmental

Assessment and Section 4(F) Evaluation of the All Aboard Florida

Passenger Rail Project, I cannot give my unequivocal support for this

venture until such time as my health and safety issues are directly

addressed and resolved, and/or mitigated.

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All Aboard Florida 

c/o URS Corporation 

Attn: Martin A. Peate 

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

Dear Mr. Peate; 

This letter is sent to you in support of the All Aboard Florida Project that will bring a much-needed 

alternative transportation mode to the State of Florida. For more than two decades, reestablishing 

passenger service along Florida's east coast corridor has been a top priority of the residents and 

business owners in Florida. With the AllAboard Florida Project, ,South Florida will be able to satisfy the 

need to enhance the transportation system through the implementation of a fast, dependable and 

efficient intercity passenger rail service that will benefit our region and the entire state by improving 

mobility and developing connectivity options. 

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by providing a transit solution to South 

Florida's overwhelming traffic problems, the All Abwrd Florida Project will also spur economic 

development within local communities and the State and create jobs. There are also many 

environmental benefits from the All Abwrd Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation 

option could remove up to one million can from Florida's roadways annually, mitigating traffic 

congestion and reducing carbon emissions and Florida's overall carbon footprint. The system will also 

serve as a link to existing transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a more seamless mode 

of travel for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit and promoting sustainability. 

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions, the benefits of a new 

regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the rail's destination points. I support the AIIAboord 

Florida Project and hope that you recognize the transformational effect that it will have for our state and 

region. 

Sin erely, 

Chip &- LaMarca 

Commissioner - District 4 

Bmward County Board of County Commissioners 

Sue Gunburger - UV.C. Holm. Kristin Jambs. Martin David Kiar . Chip LaManx. Stacy Rii - Tim Ryan. Barbara Sharief Lois - 

w.bmward.otg 



B ~RD cou TY 

FLORIDA 

TIM RYAN, Commissioner District 7 

Board of County Commissioners 

115 S. Andrews Avenue ' Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 

(954) 357-7007 

November 29,2012 

Mr. Martin A. Peate 

A11 Aboard Florida 

c/o URS Corporation 

7650 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway 

Tampa, FL 33607-1462 

Re: 	 All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service 

Connecting Downtown West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami with one stop in 

Downtown Fort Lauderdale (the "All Aboard Florida Pro;ect") 

Dear Mr. Peate: 

I am writing to express my support for the concept of a passenger rail line connecting Miami and 

Orlando, with a station in Broward County, like the one being proposed with the All Aboard Florida 

Project. Florida community leaders, elected officials, business owners and residents have made it 

clear that passenger rail connecting South Florida to the rest ofthe State is a top priority. Doing so 

would not only offer commuters with a much-needed alternative to car travel in densely populated 

Southeast Florida, but would also enable international visitors to travel quickly and conveniently 

between two of our state's most popular tourist destinations. 

The implementation of fast, dependable and efficient intercity passenger rail service in our region 

will expand mobility for our visitors, and will enhance the quality of life for our residents by 

reducing congestion on our roadways. In addition, such service would create jobs and spur economic 

development within local communities and across the state. Finally, intercity rail service would 

connect existing transit systems in Southeast Florida, which would encourage greater use ofpublic 

transit, and lead to reduced automobile traffic and decreased carbon emissions. 

For these reasons, I am pleased to support the concept of intercity passenger rail service between 

Miami and Orlando, like that being proposed by the All Aboard Florida Project. Thank you for your 

consideration of my comments on this issue. I welcome any questions or comments you may have. 

, 

l;.Ryan County Commissio r 

District 7 

Broward County Board of County Commissioners 

Sue Gunzburger • Dale V.C Holness · Kristin Jacobs' MartJn David Kiar • Chip LaMarca' Stacy Ritter ' Tim Ryan · Barbara Shaner · LOis Wexler 

broward.org 


'!% o.or,/'/ Vooor,fu ffoo'rr*,nazz'or"t'

ioAn/*.* aToo*

COMMISSIONER

DISTRICT 6

Novernber I 5, 201 2

Mr. Martin A. Peate

All Aboard Florida c/o URS Corporation

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa,FL 33607 -1462

Re: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service Connecting

Downtown West Palm Beaclr to Downtown Miami with one stop in Downtown Fort Lauderdale (the "l//

Aboard FI orida P roj ec t")

Dear Mr. Peate:

This lefter is sent to you in support of the All Aboard Florida Project that will bring a rnuch-needed

alternative transportation mode to the State of Florida. For more than two decades, reestablishing

passenger seruice along Florida's east coast corridor has been a top priority of the residents and business

owners in Florida. With the All Aboard Florida Project, South Florida will be able to satisfu the need to

enhance the transportation system through the implementation of a fast, dependable and efficient intercity

passenger rail service that will benefit our region and the entire state by improving mobility and

developing connectivity options.

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by providing a transit solution to South

Florida's overwhelming traffic problems, the AII Aboard Florida Project will also spur economic

development within local communities and the State and createjobs. There are also many environmental

benefits from the All Aboard Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation option could remove

up to one million cars from Florida's roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion and reducing

carbon emissions and Florida's overall carbon footprint. Tlie systern will also serve as a link to existing

transpodation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a more seamless mode of travel for the public,

thereby encouraging the use oftransit and promoting sustainability.

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions, the benefits of a new

regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the rail's destination points. I suppot:r tl'te All Aboard

Florida Project and hope that you recognize the transformational effect that it will have for our state and

region.

Sin

Rebeca Sosa

County Commissioner, District 6

cc: Ali Soule, All Aboard Florida

tO00 S.\{. 57n AVENUE, SUTTE 201 . MtAMt, FLORTDA 3314/ .l395l267-6377 .lAXl305l267 6366


$IBQffi9

PO. Box 1989

West Palm Beach, FL 33402-1989

(561) 355-2OO1

FAX: (561) 355-3990

www.pbcgov.com

t

Palm Beach County

Board of County

Commlssioners

Steven L. Abrams, Chairman

Priscilla Thylor, Vice Chair

Hal R. Valeche

Paulette Burdick

Shelley Vana

Mary Lou Berger

Jess R. Santamaria

County Admlnlstrator

Robert Weisman

An Equal Opportunity

Aff irmattv e Ac ti on Empl oy a "

S onntecl on recrclecl oaoer

November 26,2012

Mr. Martin A. Peate

All Aboard Florida

c/o URS Corporation

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway

Tampa, FL 33607-1462

Re: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project for Intercity Passenger Rail Service

Connecting Downtown West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami with one stop

in Downtown Fort Lauderdale (the"All Aboard Florida Project")

Dear Mr. Peate:

This letter is sent to you in support of the All Aboard Florida Project that will bring a

much-needed alternative transportation mode to the State of Florida. For more than

two decades, reestablishing passenger service along Florida's east coast corridor has

been a top priority of the residents and business owners in Florida. With the All

Aboard Florida Project, South Florida will be able to satisry the need to enhance the

transportation system through the implementation of a fast, dependable and efficient

intercity passenger rail service that will benefit our region and the entire state by

improving mobility and developing connectivity options.

In addition to enhancing the livability and mobility of the region by providing a transit

solution to South Florida's overwhelming traffic problems, the All Aboard Florida

Project will also spur economic development within local communities and the State

and create jobs. There are also many environmental benefits from the AII Aboard

Florida Project. Offering this additional transportation option could remove up to one

million cars from Florida's roadways annually, mitigating traffic congestion and

reducing carbon emissions and Florida's overall carbon footprint. The system will also

serve as a link to existing transportation systems in Southeast Florida and offer a more

seamless mode of travel for the public, thereby encouraging the use of transit and

promoting sustainability.

By creating jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions, the

benefits of a new regional passenger rail system will extend beyond the rail's

destination points. I support the AII Aboard Florida Project and hope that you

recognize the transformational effect that it will have for our state and region.

County Commissioner

District One

Sinceref, ,i 

n '1.' 

. ,/' ^ fl

r_VtLl (loJrLc,lktu

Hal Rl Valeche

I



 

January

2013

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION U.S. DOT

EXHIBIT 4

PUBLIC COMMENTS

PART 4: COPIES OF COMMENTS FROM AGENCIES
From: All-Aboard-Florida@urs.ursci.com

To: Peate, Martin; mmmiguez@feci.com; john.flint@allaboardflorida.com; colin.henderson@tylin.com; Crowell,

Mark; ali.soule@allaboardflorida.com

Subject: All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Date: Monday, December 03, 2012 12:33:54 PM

Sent from All Aboard Florida Comment Form

Name: Keith Melton

Address: Fta, 230 Peachtree St., Ste. 800

City: Atlanta

State: Ga

Zip Code: 30002

Email: keith.melton@dot.gov

Message:

Comments to Federal Railway Administration – “All Aboard Florida”

(AAF)Environmental Assessment

Submitted by the Federal Transit Administration – Region IV to FRA

December 3, 2012

As an FTA Regional Office, we offer the following comments to the EA

and suggest some discussion of the following may be in order in the EA

and between FRA and FTA.

Commuter Rail – SFRTA and FTA’s Role

As you know, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

(SFRTA) operates Tri Rail Commuter Rail service on a CSX rail track

west of the AAF target area. SFRTA and Tri Rail serve the Miami

International Airport (three S. Florida counties within the Miami UZA

and cities with daily commuter service). SFRTA is an FTA grantee and

we understand SFRTA is desirous of discussing “a possible cross-over”

to the Florida East Coast (FEC) track to provide some commuter rail

service on FEC tracks. Tri Rail moves about 14,000 riders per day.

While the characteristics of the trips may be different, a significant

public investment in Tri Rail may be impacted by the AAF project in S.

Florida.

When the SFRTA began its service, the FEC tracks through S. Florida

downtowns were not available to SFRTA. FTA would like to note SFRTA’s

desire to make sure the possible AAF service is a) coordinated with

Tri Rail service on the FEC line’ and b) would like to suggest this

coordination attempt to ensure that the AAF service not compete with

or degrade the existing Tri Rail service within the Miami UZA; and c)

that AAF work with Tri Rail and others on stations area plans. Also,

in light of the above, and the fact that this AAF service described

within the EA is entirely within the Miami UZA, would it not be
prudent to further discuss FTA as a a) cooperating agency or b) a

co-lead agency on the EA?

Other Transit & Traffic Impacts

We appreciate the traffic crossing information but wonder if this is

sufficient. Other FTA transit grantees in the Miami UZA include Palm

Tran, Broward Co. Transit and Miami Dade Transit. As such, FTA notes

there may be a) bus route impacts from the siting of the AAF stations

and b) wonder if those impacts should be further documented and

discussed?

Financing

We understand that All Aboard Florida (AAF) may be considering a large

public FRA loan guarantee as public backing for private financing. We

suggest that the FRA and FTA further discuss this project guarantee in

light of previous FTA funding for Tri Rail within the Miami UZA and

on-going SFRTA and other transit grantee plans in the Miami UZA. We

note that AAF’s public posture of saying that no public funds will be

needed has been widely publicized. We also understand the AAF project

may require use of public ROW to connect with Orlando in a subsequent

phase. FTA suggests that further consideration be given to the

possibility of a large public loan guarantee to back private financing

of the AAF project be included within the EA. We did not see a cost or

financing section in the EA and feel this may be appropriate.

Cumulative Effects, MPO Involvement & TOD

The possibility of “cumulative effects” on public loan guarantees;

public ROW and financing, Tri Rail service, traffic and land use in

the S. Florida downtowns as well as the possible accommodation of

future Tri Rail commuter service should be further examined. The three

MPO’s in the Miami UZA and SFRTA should be given every opportunity to

review the impacts of possible station locations, opportunities for

Transit Oriented Development (TOD), a possible Tri Rail cross-over and

the parking assessments. Further, the Ft. Lauderdale and W. Palm Beach

station area impacts (10,000 SF of retail) seem low – and perhaps

should be higher with mixed use impacts noted. Hence, more land area

may be required as a result of the project. Also, will public parking

beyond a few surface spaces be required? Will AAF assist with station

area planning?

Thank you for the opportunity to submit.

Sent from (ip address): 152.120.255.251 (bce1.dot.gov)

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From: Milligan, Lauren

To: Peate, Martin

Subject: FW: All Aboard Florida - Environmental Assessment - Public Comments Requested

Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 4:39:46 PM

A “no comment” response from the SFWMD below.

Lauren

From: Oblaczynski, Deborah [mailto:doblaczy@sfwmd.gov] 

Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 11:15 AM

To: Milligan, Lauren

Cc: Schneider, Natalie; Braun, Rod

Subject: RE: All Aboard Florida - Environmental Assessment - Public Comments Requested

Hi Lauren,

The District staff has reviewed the Final Environmental Assessment for the All Aboard Florida

Passenger Rail Project. The District has no comments to forward on the referenced documents.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Deborah Oblaczynski

Deborah Oblaczynski, AICP, Policy and Planning Analyst-Specialist

Intergovernmental Coordination Unit

South Florida Water Management District

3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406

(561) 682-2544, Fax (561) 681-6264

email: doblaczy@sfwmd.gov

From: Milligan, Lauren [mailto:Lauren.Milligan@dep.state.fl.us] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:31 PM

To: jeannette.hallock-solomon@deo.myflorida.com; chris.wiglesworth@deo.myflorida.com;

DCPPermits@deo.myflorida.com; Scott.Sanders@MyFWC.com; Gilbert, Terry; Conservation Planning

Services; 'Edwards, Scott'; Alyssa.McManus@DOS.MyFlorida.com; daniel.mcclarnon@dos.myflorida.com;

'Markovich, Martin'; 'Bixby, Marjorie'; robert.lee@dot.state.fl.us; vicki.sharpe@dot.state.fl.us;

xavier.pagan@dot.state.fl.us; richard.young@dot.state.fl.us; scott.seeburger@dot.state.fl.us;

Andrew.Riddle@dot.state.fl.us; aileen.boucle@dot.state.fl.us; megan.mckinney@urs.com;

lauren.brooks@urs.com; Oblaczynski, Deborah; Carter, Hugo; Conmy, Barbara; Parrott, Melinda;

sheidt@tcrpc.org; eswanson@sfrpc.com

Cc: Stahl, Chris

Subject: FW: All Aboard Florida - Environmental Assessment - Public Comments Requested

Dear Clearinghouse Reviewers:

RE: U.S. Department of Transportation – Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement

Financing Program – Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Evaluation (EA) for the

All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project, West Palm Beach to Miami – Miami-Dade,

Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida.

Reference Previous SAI # FL200610032820C and ETDM #s 7519 and 11860

http://www.fra.dot.gov/rpd/freight/fp_West_Palm_Beach_to_Miami_Florida.shtml

http://www.allaboardflorida.com/ (Link to EA Appendices at the bottom of this page)

Public Comment Due Date: 12/03/2012

FYI -- Please see the message below and above website links for further information and an

opportunity to comment on the referenced Federal Railroad Administration EA. This project
follows the same existing Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad corridor as the previously

reviewed South Florida East Coast Corridor Transit Analysis (SFECCTA) and FEC Amtrak

High Speed Rail: Mainline projects.

A federal consistency review under the Coastal Zone Management Act was already

conducted on this corridor as part of the previous State Clearinghouse and ETDM project

reviews, so I do not believe it would be necessary to conduct another for this proposal. If

your agency would like to comment or has concerns that were not previously addressed,

however, please let me know and we can send a state comment letter through the State

Clearinghouse review process. Thank you!

Lauren

Lauren P. Milligan, Environmental Manager

Florida State Clearinghouse

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

3900 Commonwealth Blvd, M.S. 47

Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000

ph. (850) 245-2170

fax (850) 245-2190

Please take a few minutes to share your comments on the service you received from the department

by clicking on this link. DEP Customer Survey.

From: Peate, Martin [mailto:martin.peate@urs.com] 

Sent: Monday, November 05, 2012 6:09 PM

Subject: RE: All Aboard Florida - Environmental Assessment 

Importance: High

Attached below are links to downloadable copies  of the  ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND

SECTION 4(F) STATEMENT FOR THE ALL ABOARD FLORIDA PASSENGER RAIL PROJECT WEST PALM

BEACH TO MIAMI, FLORIDA as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and

submitted in compliance with 23 CFR Part 771.

All Aboard Florida – Stations LLC and All Aboard Florida – Operations LLC (AAF) jointly prepared

this Environmental Assessment (EA)/Section 4(f) Evaluation for their proposed All Aboard Florida

Passenger Rail Project – West Palm Beach to Miami, Florida. AAF prepared the EA/Section 4(f)

Statement to support an application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for funding

under the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program to construct the Project.

FRA reviewed and commented on draft versions of the document and approved this version for

release for public circulation and comment. Written comments should be provided in writing to

AAF at the address noted below on or before December 3, 2012.

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Attn:  Sydney Schneir

202.493.6041

Sydney.Schneir@dot.gov
All Aboard Florida – Stations LLC 

All Aboard Florida – Operations LLC

c/o URS Corporation,

7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway,

Tampa, FL  33607-1462,

Attn:  Martin A. Peate, AICP

813.636.2477

martin.peate@urs.com

Notice of Availability

http://www.fra.dot.gov/rpd/freight/fp_West_Palm_Beach_to_Miami_Florida.shtml

All Aboard Florida Website Link to EA

http://www.allaboardflorida.com/

This e-mail and any attachments contain URS Corporation confidential information that may be proprietary or privileged. If

you receive this message in error or are not the intended recipient, you should not retain, distribute, disclose or use any of

this information and you should destroy the e-mail and any attachments or copies.

We value your opinion. Please take a few minutes to share your comments on the service you

received from the District by clicking on this link.