INTERMODAL · FREIGHT · PASSENGER · TOURIST
The meeting was opened by Pres. Peter Griffin at 7:10 PM. with 18 members, guests, and some reporters present.
A GENERAL OVERVIEW of rail service restoration efforts in the region was presented by President Griffin. Following a discussion of Amtrak related opportunities, Tom Greenman reported on the history of the two-decade pursuit of the MBTA Nashua extension.
NASHUA MBTA EXTENSION A discussion was had of the amazingly successful, but poorly funded, 1980-83 demonstration. Peter Leishman underscored the fact that the State Government has "very little" money to support the rail infrastructure. Tom Greenman said it is expected based on experience elsewhere that at least 18 months of operation will be required to see how many motorists will comfortably leave their cars and use public transportation.
MANCHESTER & LAWRENCE BRANCH A discussion was had of the right-of-way situation on the Manchester - Lawrence corridor, and Guilford's continued interests there. The meeting with Kevin Dillon of the Manchester Airport was again reviewed as it relates to the future of the M&L.
MBTA. V.P. Karl Smith discussed soaring property values along the Old Colony extension, and the imminent extension to Green Airport in RI.
NEWBURYPORT - KITTERY BRANCH A discussion of this project included a need for a more definitive cost assessment to restore the Merrimack River bridge.
HIGH-SPEED DESIGNATION of the Boston-Montreal Corridor: The importance of this national recognition was noted, as was the expected flow of oil down the NVR to future Irving facilities in Lebanon. Possible extensions of this service into the Concord area were also discussed.
OTHER CORRIDORS: Some discussion was made of opportunities between Bellows Falls and Fitchburg through Keene.
PROPOSED LEGISLATION: Liability Limitation Legislation efforts continue. The current thrust is to adopt a uniform Passenger Rail limitation of $75 M throughout New England, except for Amtrack which would be pegged at the National limit of $200M. (Tourist railroads are $3M in Massachusetts, and $5M in NH).
RAIL BANKING/INTERIM TRAILS: The importance of trails groups in maintaining rail corridors for possible future use was emphasized, as well as the need to help accomodate "Rails with Trails" , where feasible, upon the return of rail. Peter Leishman, M&BRR, also discussed the warm relationship his railroad has with the "Speeder" community, and how much assistance they give him in keeping his line clear.
GENERAL: It was noted that the NHRRA mission is misunderstood by some in Concord, and by Guilford Transportation Industries. Our role of "public education" on the emerging role of rail as an important component of 21st Century Transportation needs to be reemphasized.
The "excellent" meeting adjourned at 8:50.
Recorded: Gus Sheedy
Many members joined the Ray Burton Campaign/Rail Promotion Train at Laconia for a round-trip to Plymouth and back. It was a very special time for all, as it always is. Some of our members chose service over pleasure, and were seen in supportive roles along the route. Lunch was served for over 200 at the Plymouth Station Senior Center.
Thank you Councellor Burton!
Recorded: Gus Sheedy
[Paul W Chapman <mailto:milepost10@juno.com> November 12, 2000 6:12 PM]
