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<br /> <br />ECC <br />UGENE ITY OUNCIL <br />AIS <br />GENDA TEM UMMARY <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Action: Transport of Coal for Export through Eugene <br /> <br /> <br />Meeting Date: October 22, 2012 Agenda Item Number: 5 <br />Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Babe O’Sullivan <br />www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5017 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />ISSUE STATEMENT <br /> <br />Proposed Resolution 5065 would signal Eugene’s opposition to the transport of coal by train through the <br />city for export via the Port of Coos Bay. At its October 8 work session, the City Council received input <br />from a panel of experts representing a variety of perspectives. <br /> <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />In October 2011, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay signed an exclusive negotiating agreement <br />with a company interested in shipping coal from the port. The proposal, called Project Mainstay, would <br />build a new terminal and ship six to 10 million tons of coal a year. This coal would originate in <br />Wyoming and Montana and be shipped to Asia, passing through Eugene on its way to the port. It is <br />estimated that one to two trains would pass through Eugene every day, each carrying up to 15,000 tons <br />of coal. <br /> <br />Supporters of the project estimate that more than 100 permanent coal-related jobs would be created at <br />the terminal, and lead to other economic activity in the region. The terminal and rail line construction <br />would create 1,433 jobs in Coos County, with 1,155 elsewhere in the state, according to consultants <br />advising the Port of Coos Bay. <br /> <br />A number of concerns have been raised about the trains carrying coal through Eugene including delays <br />at railroad crossings, negative public health impacts from fugitive coal dust, and negative impacts on air, <br />water, fish, and wildlife -- as well as increased greenhouse gases from the burning of coal. <br /> <br />An April 13, 2012, memo from the Eugene Sustainability Commission (Attachment B) called out <br />concerns and recommended adoption of a resolution such as the one proposed. <br /> <br />On July 9, 2012, Councilor Alan Zelenka proposed Resolution 5065, which would signal the City of <br />Eugene’s opposition to the transport of coal by train through the city for export via the Port of Coos Bay. <br /> <br />The Port of Coos Bay submitted a letter to the City Council on July 9, 2012, (Attachment C) expressing <br />concern about the potential loss of regional economic development opportunities and local job creation <br />if Eugene were to oppose coal transport by train. <br /> <br /> S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121022\S1210225.doc <br />