Dear Forest Park Residents, Businesses and Community Stakeholders:

On April 30, 2026, Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) filed a revised application with the Surface Transportation Board seeking authority for UP to acquire NS. If approved, the purchase would result in an increase in average trains per day commuting through the City of Forest Park. In addition, the city could potentially receive one or more additional carloads per day containing hazardous materials, while also exceeding the Surface Transportation Board's thresholds for air quality and noise. More information regarding the proposed merger can be found by clicking here. 

What Steps Are Being Taken

The Surface Transportation Board, through its Office of Environmental Analysis, is in the process of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will analyze the potential environmental impacts and assist the board in making its decision about whether to approve with conditions or deny the transaction. City officials are also in direct talks with local and state representatives and have expressed concerns regarding the potential negative impacts on both residents and businesses.  

How To Submit A Comment

The city is encouraging all residents and businesses to submit comments to the Surface Transportation Board. Comments submitted during preliminary consultation will assist the board's Office of Environmental Analysis in defining the potential impacts to be considered in the EIS.

• Written comments can be submitted electronically directly on the Surface Transportation Board’s website.
• Alternatively, comments may be sent by mail to: Elizabeth Webster Surface Transportation Board (Docket No. FD 36873) | 395 E Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20423
• When submitting a comment, be sure to refer to Docket No. FD 36873 in all correspondence, including electronic filings.
• All comments must be received by Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. 

For questions or additional information, email UPNSMergerEIS@stb.gov or call (888) 533-6493. The City of Forest Park looks forward to your participation in the environmental impact review process. Let’s be sure to make our voices heard on this important economic and environmental matter.

In service, 

Carl Geffken

City Manager

City of Forest Park, GA

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Located roughly 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the City of Forest Park is home to a population of nearly 20,000 residents in Clayton County, Georgia, as well as many flourishing small, medium and large businesses. The city was incorporated in 1908 and is approximately five miles from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with easy access to I-75, I-285 and I-675. For more information, visit www.forestparkga.gov.