Public Comment. Volume III - Montana Legislature

DRAFT, 4/9/85 10
proposed ..action .with. the ~rknum Lake -Option be .built.
These studies primarily would focus on such topics as
the effects of noise, vibration, airborne contaminants,
and potential fuel leaks on the existing operation.
These analyses could be undertaken in conjunction with
design'studies associated with moving parts of the fish
hatchery west of the current site.
(2) The Applicant $hould continue to confer with the
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in regard to
expansion plans for the hatchery. Every effort should
be made by both parties to adequately inform the other
as to continuing developments.
3.0 SOCIAL AND BCONOMIC IMPACT MITIGATION
3.1 General
The environmental documentation provides detailed information
on those social and economic changes that are associated
with development of the Tongue. River Railroad. The projections
contained in the documents cannot be expected to reflect perfectly
every possible impact, but the data will serve to provide
state and community planning agencies and personnel with the
necessary information to meet the demands for increases in public
facilities, personnel, and services.
The environmental documentation demonstrates how, in most
cases, the increase in tax revenues accruing to local governments
will more than 0ffse.t increases in the costs of providing increased
services and new or expanded public facilities. Local
government planning agencies will be able to incorporate this
information in their short term and long range planning efforts,
thus assuring that proper planning and effective mitigation will
be in place prior to the incurrence of impact.
In certain cases, local government and, thus, planning capabilities
do not exist in any form capable of addressing the
problems that could be presented by the construction and operation
of a railroad and accompanying mining development. The com-
'munity of Ashland, in particular, is not prepared to confront the
changes and problems that will occur there. Of particular importance
to Ashland will be population growth in the community and
the corresponding
- -I. increased demand for community services.
The Applicant, in consultation with the Rosebud County Commi
s sioners, should provide an individual with expertise in commun
.ity organization and planning, for the purpose of assisting
EQC Eminent Domain Study -1 93-