Railroad issue gaining statewide interest

BY JEFFREY GAUTREAUX, SUN STAFF WRITER

February 13, 2007 - 12:32AM

The proposal to build a rail line from Mexico and into the United States through Yuma has spawned a legislative bill, possible state meetings here and a torrent of public discussion.

Recently, Rep. Lynne Pancrazi, D-Yuma, introduced House Bill 2713, which would force railroads to publicize any purchases of private land and require that public hearings be held after the transaction. Rep. Theresa Ulmer, D-Yuma, and Sen. Amanda Aguirre, D-Yuma, are also sponsoring the bill along with other Democrats and a few Republicans, including House Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor.

Pancrazi said the bill was in response to Union Pacific's proposal to build a line through the Yuma area. She said the corporation's discussions with some elected officials and quiet solicitation of land options did not adequately engage the public. "My hope is that they will look at the community and ask residents 'What do you think is best?' That's all this does," she said.