PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) today called on the U.S. Coast Guard to investigate Brightline’s proposed maintenance plan that would completely impede boat and marina access. Brightline is seeking to make repairs to the St. Lucie River railroad bridge that will require the bridge to be closed continuously for 21 days.

“Why is our community constantly asked to bend over backwards in order to accommodate a company that has tried to steamroll us at every turn?” Rep. Mast asked. “The Coast Guard needs to take a good hard look at the devastating impact Brightline’s current plan would have on businesses that rely on bridge access. It’s unacceptable.”

In a letter to Rear Admiral Brendan C. McPherson, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District, Rep. Mast highlights the many businesses that rely on access to both sides of the St. Lucie: marinas, repair shops, barge companies, and fueling stations would all face major economic consequences, and many boaters who are set to return to the area for the spring season will be impeded.

Rep. Mast requests a full and formal analysis of the economic impact of the proposed plan and that steps be taken to insulate businesses and boaters from said impacts.

The full text of the letter can be read here.

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