INTERMODAL · FREIGHT · PASSENGER · TOURIST
The meeting opened at 7:15 PM by Pres. Griffin with 11 members present.
The Treasurers report was unavailable since the Treasurer was on travel.
The minutes of the June meeting were accepted as written.
The revised final version was approved by the membership, enabling Paul Chapman to proceed to write grant letters and see if funding can be obtained to staff the position.
Newburyport - Portsmouth House Task Force to meet 28 June and 11 July. President Peter Griffin is communicating with Newburyport authorities regarding the importance of preserving the ROW and reactivating the line to Portsmouth.
Northern Line, Manchester & Lawrence Line House Study Committee to meet 28 June and 11 July. Bill Mosher to advise when M&L will be the focus.
Northern Line Both the possible designation of the Northern line as a "Historic Railroad", and as a "High Speed Rail Corridor was discussed.
The US Senate has approved the funds ($300,00) to study the designation which was requested by the Governors of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Since it was not included in the House bill, it will have to be worked out in committee.
Of continuing concern to NHRRA members is whether current public works projects along the corridor have been properly thought-out consistent with the Governor's request to move forward with planning for such. Members have had discussions with town officials along the corridor, and attended public hearings on the projects, to discuss this concern.
President Peter Griffin has had discussions with Sen. Jeffords office concerning the HS designation and Northern Line reactivation.
Manchester & Lawrence Branch
The Northern Line/ Manchester & Lawrence House Study Committee will inform NHRRA in advance when the discussion will turn from the Northern Line which is first priority, to the M&L.
Milford & Bennington Tom Greenman and Ron Wood reported on their efforts along the line, freight studies, and the beginnings of an infrastructure plan. A team track/ ramp in the Greenfield-Lindboro area is indicated.
Other: CLF A discussion was had concerning the role of CLF in general, and Nancy Girard in particular, in forwarding the interests of the NHRRA. It was reiterated as in the past that we should continue to support the CLF in it's endeavors which coincide with ours, and that Nancy Girard, being the New Hampshire Director of the CLF was not available to represent the NHRRA in any way.
One possible way to strengthen the NHRRA/CLF alliance and effectiveness would be to ask Nancy Girard to address the group at an open public meeting, underscoring the importance of railroad revitalization in conserving the New Hampshire environment.
Other: Maine Rail Group A discussion was had concerning the desirability of having a joint meeting. Jack Sutton, MRG President, suggested a Maine location, candidate speakers, and a possible train ride. The need for a committee to prepare for such a meeting was voiced, with Kenyon Karl volunteering to participate.
The meeting closed at 9:00 PM.
Recorded Gus Sheedy
Paul W. Chapman, P.E.This page was last updated on August 11, 2003
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