INTERMODAL · FREIGHT · PASSENGER · TOURIST
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM by Pres. Griffin with
10 members present. The Treasurers report, showing a balance of
$ 1013.95 was read by Steve Flanders and accepted.
The minutes of the April meeting were accepted as written.
Rail Corridor
News:
Newburyport - Portsmouth Rep. George Karsakiores reported on the formation and
activation of the Task Force formed by the legislature.
Karl Smith will represent the NHRRA on this Task Force which also has Mem./Rep.
Bill Mosher and Rep. John Flanders. This
task force will meet regularly, guiding progress until the line is reactivated.
Of importance is obtaining Massachusetts representation on the Task
Force, as there are forces at work in the Newburyport area that would like to
make the line a permanent trail.
Northern Line, Manchester &
Lawrence Line Rep. Katsakiores
also reported on the Legislature created study committees established for these
two lines. There first reports are
due out in November, which could lead to the establishment of a Task Force for
either or both.
Northern Line Greg Sanborn of UNH reported the Student Civil
Engineering team will complete their study of bridge issues and report out
presumably by the end of the semester. Senator
Bob Smith is supporting the Boston-Montreal High Speed Corridor designation, as
is Senator Jeffords, which action appears imminent. Hearings regarding the fate of the West Lebanon round house
and brush cutting on the Lebanon trackage indicate progress is being made on the
connection to New England Central and Northern Vermont service.
Manchester & Lawrence Branch
The VHB study is currently suggesting a “light” rail line be
extended up the West side of I-93 to Exit 5.
This would preclude future freight service to the associated industrial
areas. The appeal process,
sponsored by CLF, continues with the Rail Appeals Board, on it’s way to the
Supreme Court.
Liability
Limitation: In
preparation for the June meeting, Peter Griffin will check on liability issues
associated with bus operation on state and federal highways to see if there are
any precedents that might apply to rail corridors.
Presentation
Tink Taylor gave a slide presentation showing the
relationship of all modes of travel as an example of what could be done in our
“public education” mandate.
Other
Gary Kerr has received the needed software and will
be loading and updating the mailing list. Gus
Sheedy will obtain membership cards. Membership application/renewal forms will be distributed in
June with the minutes.
The meeting closed at 9:00 PM.
Recorded
Gus Sheedy
This page was last updated on August 11, 2003
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