Rays Will Be Good Stewards

The Rays would like to dispel misconceptions and misrepresentations contained in the letter from the Agency on Bay Management that you referenced in your April 12 editorial, "Get Below Surface On Rays' Stadium."

We would also like to restate our philosophy regarding environmental protection and enhancements related to the proposed waterfront ballpark.

Among many other activities that we are undertaking, the Rays have been interacting with over 50 community-based groups in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. Although the specific focus and interests of these groups varies, our objective in conducting these sessions does not, i.e., we always present our reasons for seeking a new ballpark, present a detailed description of the proposed plan, summarize the status of the development of the plan and, most importantly, solicit input from members.

This was the case when we appeared before the Agency on Bay Management on March 13. We did not participate in the meeting in order to present the end of the story; rather, we appeared primarily to convey that we intend to be good stewards of the environment and to solicit their views on a variety of related issues.

It seems to us that in stating that they found it disconcerting that we have not completed our environmental and engineering analyses, the Agency is attempting to have it both ways. Certainly, had we appeared before them after all of the necessary analyses were complete, we undoubtedly would have been criticized for not consulting with them first.

The Rays and our consultants have already completed a number of preliminary analyses, will be starting additional data collection shortly and believe that we are proceeding with an appropriate scope and sequence of activities to create a plan that will limit any environmental impacts of the project.

We are confident that this project will meet all relevant environmental regulations and produce a net environmental benefit to the community.

As noted in Chapter 10 of the Rays' preliminary design consideration document (submitted to the city on March 11, and readily available to the public on the city's Web site), by reducing our carbon footprint by over 70 percent, seeking LEED certification for the ballpark and incorporating innovative stormwater management techniques, we believe we will develop the most sustainable ballpark in all of Major League Baseball.

Please know that the Rays are committed to constructing a ballpark project that not only will be a great addition to St. Petersburg's famed waterfront, but will also protect and enhance the environment.