Minutes - May 20th
NHRRA Meeting
It
was reported that the NHRRA bank account has a balance of $882.06.
Members
introduced themselves and welcomed new member Stephen Piper.
George
Katsakiores provided a legislative update.
HB
1180 to establish a task force to develop a revenue stream to support
multi-modal transportation has been passed in both houses and is awaiting the
Governor’s signature.
George
stated that the task force would report back to the speaker every six months
The
composition of the task force is very diverse with representatives from the
areas of economics, government and transportation among others. A
representative from NHRRA has been nominated.
The
trespassing bill has been tabled for another session
Liability
bill has still not come out of committee. This is due to the lobbying efforts
of the trial lawyers.
Due
to June 3rd rail forum to be conducted by the Northern Line/ M&L
task force in Derry, there was much discussion about various aspects of the
M&L corridor.
It
was suggested that NHRRA encourage DOT to begin thinking about the alternative
to the airport tunnel proposed by NH DOT. The proposal entails routing the rail
corridor out and around the end of the new Manchester Airport runway.
There
was discussion about restoring the double track in Andover, MA so as to
accommodate through service to Boston.
Herb
Pence reported on a new FRA compliant light rail car that is currently
operating in Colorado. It is able
to operate on the same track as traditional rail cars.
There
was discussion about developing funding sources to provide the 20% federal
match.
There
were also discussions revolving around the discrepancy between the amount of
money from NH going to Washington and the smaller amount coming back for
various funding projects.
Concerns
were raised about meeting in the same location on a regular basis. The
consensus was that NHRRA make a stronger effort to have regional meetings.
This
would allow more NHRRA members to attend and to expose the populace to rail
revitalization initiatives.
The
meeting adjourned at 8:20
The
next meeting will be held June 24,7pm Concord Public Library Auditorium, Green
Street. Guest speaker will be David Mullen, Economic Development Director,
Pease Development Authority
