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July 5, 2018
VIA ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION, also sent VIA EMAIL AND U.S. MAIL
Colorado Public Utilities Commission
1560 Broadway, Suite 250
Denver, CO 80202
Re: WCR 46 Proceeding Number: 18A -0317R
Request to Delay Closure of Weld County Road 46
Dear Colorado PUC:
Pioneer Hi -Bred International, Inc.
Corporate Legal
7250 N.W. 62nd Avenue
P.O. Box 1014
Johnston, IA 50131-1014
(515) 535-7500 Tel
(515) 535-4844 Fax
(515} 247-6803 Wats
RECEIVED
JUL 10 2018
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Pioneer Hi -Bred International, Inc., "Pioneer" submits the following comments in the above -
mentioned proceedings relating to the closure of several rail crossings in Weld County,
Colorado.
Pioneer conducts corn and wheat research on approximately 250 acres of owned and leased
property south of LaSalle, Colorado; centering those efforts from its research station located at
21275 WCR 35 %, Weld, CO 80645. Pioneer coordinates these efforts from its office in Greeley,
and its 13 full time employees make multiple trips daily to the field research station.
Additionally, Pioneer engages between 4 and 12 seasonal workers to assist with field research
operations at the research station.
Local representatives from Pioneer have reviewed the plans for the closure of the railroad
crossings at WCR 46 as well as the plans for the installation of a new crossing at WCR 44. The
closures will severely impact the research operations at the facility by greatly increasing the
required travel time from Pioneer's offices to the research station. In addition, the closures
will inhibit transportation to and from research fields, and the movement of seed, equipment,
and commodities by farmers adjacent to Highway 85.
The closure will most severely affect Pioneer, its growers and contractors during the expected
construction of the interchange at WCR 44. While this closure is temporary, it will likely require
Pioneer's personnel to detour a considerable distance in order to conduct daily visits to the
field stations and fields to coordinate operations. The closures will significantly increase the
traffic through the town of LaSalle, particularly while the WCR 44 interchange is being
constructed.
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Pioneer's preference is that the crossing at WCR 46 remain open permanently. If that is not
possible, however, the crossing should not be closed until the interchange at WCR 44 is
completed. Simultaneously closing WCR 44, WCR 46, and WCR 37 will cause significant
disruption and traffic delays to Pioneer's research efforts, as well as the efforts of area farmers
and agribusinesses.
We thank you for your consideration of these comments, and welcome further dialogue on the
efforts to improve the safety and effectiveness of Colorado and Weld County's highway
systems.
Regards,
Corporate Counsel
CC: Weld County Commissioners
1150 O Street
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80631
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