INTERMODAL · FREIGHT · PASSENGER · TOURIST
Met at the freight house in Northfield, NH. Steve Flanders reported $844.90 in the treasury. Gary Kerr reported slightly more than 100 members, new and renewing.
-----------------------
Legislative report: Rep. George Katsakiores (R-Derry) noted there was legislation in draft form to establish a Concord/Lincoln RR Task Force. This right-of-way was taken by eminent domain by the Thomson Administration in 1973 when it became evident B&M was not going to service the failing Franconia Paper Co. mill at Lincoln. Since failure of the mill, it has been used as a tourist line as traditional rail customers have gone to truck transport.
Does it have potential for ski trains? Comments that at 15 mph it would take so long from Boston that this is not a viable use. John Clement: Would the new Home Depot just opening in Tilton be interested in receiving any of its bulky freight by rail? Rails are just across the street from their new store in Tilton.
Another question: As a connector to the N.H. International Speedway at Loudon? Ans: Too far from Boyce Station in Canterbury.
Rep. Katsakiores also stressed the need for a dependable revenue stream for railroad improvements modeled after the Highway Trust Funds (both state and federal) and Airport Trust Fund. The problem is there is no real source of funds to rail projects ongoing meaning that plans for upgrading are difficult to make. A large part of the problem lies with the state's archaic tax structure.
-----------------------
Boston/Portland, Maine: Plans are all set for a Dec. 14 inaugural run starting from North Station at 1050 hrs. with intermediary stops at Haverhill (MA) at 1145; Exeter (NH) 1225; Durham-UNH 1252; Dover (NH) 1314; Wells (ME) 1349; Saco (ME) 1423; Old Orchard Beach (ME) 1445, and Portland at 1527. Space is very tight with NH's DOT head Carol Murray being allotted only 20 spaces. Some sentiment expressed that she should demonstrate a little more enthusiasm rather that "badmouthing" the Train to Maine as being way overly hopeful in its projections. NH's support will be a crucial factor in the success of DownEaster Service.
Regular service starts the next day with four round trips between Portland and Boston.
Noted that the police chief in Kingston continues to "predict" a horrendous grade-crossing collision if trains are allowed to proceed at 60 mph. Reply from audience: He needs to hear from Operation Lifesaver about preventive measures he should take and he should be highly encouraged to enforce the state's anti-trespass statute.
-----------------------
A Rail to Kittery Forum is being held Nov. 28 in the town hall there; refreshments at 6pm, w/session to follow. Growing sentiment for reopening the "Eastern Line" from Newburyport into Kittery. Economic Development Commission head Judy Kehl, possibly Maine's answer to VT's Karen Songhurst, has been a dynamic force behind this effort. Was felt there should be some coordination between getting this line up and running and the proposed "MagPlane" project by MIT for slow-speed mag/lev experimentation over five miles from the NH/MA border north. Those rails will be upgraded.
-----------------------
Pres. Peter Griffin is to meet with re-elected Manchester Mayor Bob Baines who is purported to be a supporter of rail. Also, the home mortgage firm of Fannie Mae now offers more favorable interest rates to those properties in proximity to commuter rail. The N. New England office of Fannie Mae is located in Manchester and someone should visit there for the specifics. Also, concerning the region's higher than national average freight rates, more research needs to be done into what normally is a strongly proprietary area of business.
------------------------
Last order of business: What needs to be done to improve the NH rail situation? And what needs to be done to make NHRRA more viable (i.e., political clout, broader membership, favorable press, public education, credibility, etc.). Next meeting to be Dec. 17, N.H. Safety Council office on Manchester St, Concord.
-----------------------
Adjourned at 1917 hr.
Respectfully submitted: Peter Griffin, President.
<Gary L. Kerr [railnut@MetroCast.net] - January 15, 2002 10:58 AM>
