The merger needs approval from the US Surface Transportation Board.
Gallagher says city officials have met with the railroad twice. He is most concerned about safety because the increase in train traffic will affect six crossings, and trains prevent people from getting to their homes and businesses.
Gallagher wants people to contact US Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley as soon as possible to help put pressure on Canadian Pacific to comply with the city's requests to mitigate the increase in rail traffic.
The mayor is also worried Bettendorf first responders won't be able to respond to emergencies as quickly. That includes the city's rescue boat. The city is also working on a $650 million economic development plan for its riverfront. And the merger may affect investors' interest in the plan and its projects.
The mayor says the Surface Transportation Board docket number for its draft, Environmental Impact Statement is FD36500. He expects the board to release it late this month or in early July. (The link is for the STB's CP KCS merger website.)
