I recently spent some time with the city’s public works director, Michelle Own, and school superintendent, Mark Witty. I wish to share the following information that I have learned from these conversations regarding the quiet zone project. I don’t think this information is making it out to the Baker City public.

The Baker City school board has voted to allocate $25,000 from the general fund to support the quiet zone’s folks’ funding. This project would improve safety at railroad crossings to eradicate the need for the train whistles. This funding will come from next year’s budget.

Union Pacific Railroad wants $45,000 to hire a consultant for this project.

There will be no dividers/barriers for the railroad crossing at Pocahontas Road. Ranchers need to get big, heavy equipment across the area. Dividers/barriers would not be wide enough apart for access.

Access to the recycling center next to the Campbell Street crossing would have to be totally redesigned. This construction would come at significant cost.

Roger LeMaster

Baker City