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Tonight’s meeting was called to order by Peter Griffin at 7:00 PM at the Ashland Railroad Depot.

Attendees:

·            The minutes from the August 25, 2003 minutes were accepted as written.

·            Steve Flanders reported that NHRRA currently has approximately $1400.00 in the account.

·            Peter distributed copies of Sept 03 status reports for both the Lowell to Nashua extension and the Boston to Montreal High Speed Rail as transmitted to him by Kit Morgan of the NHDOT Bureau of Rail & Transit.  Both are somewhat discouraging in that funding for each has been delayed:

Nashua:  “A legal challenge filed against the DOT’s use of state highway funds for a rail project has prevented the completion of the project’s financial plan for submission to FTA, since the local (non-Federal) funds are in doubt.”

Boston-Montreal:  “In order to proceed with a contract to begin Phase II and commit the state matching funds, Vermont prepared and amendment to the existing memorandum of agreement to be signed by all three states.  The amendment is pending in New Hampshire; it must be approved by the Governor and Council.  At that time it will be sent to Massachusetts for approval.”

·            Kenyon stated that NH has not yet asked the Governor & Council for funding this Phase II study.  Vermont has dedicated their share, but NH has stopped the process.

·            Peter was interviewed by the NH Union Leader regarding the Boston-Montreal service.  Carol Murray has communicated with Massachusetts to understand their status.  Governor Mitt Romney has curtailed funding for most rail initiatives in his state.  Ted Kennedy and Bob Smith were the originators of corridor’s designation as High Speed rail.  It is anticipated that there will be a projected annual ridership of 700,000.

·            The commuter extension in Nashua is not dead, but it will be delayed significantly.

·            Peter requested input for writing a letter to the NHDOT and elected officials stating NHRRA’s stance on these issues.

·            Kenyon remarked that revenue projections are based on a $0.22/mile figure.  This HSR could generate higher fares closer in line with the Acela.  Also, the expected top speed is 110 MPH when it should be 150 MPH (Peter Griffin noted that the corridor’s geometry might not allow for the higher speed).  Many of the existing grade crossings have been eliminated already.  HSR in this country is shortsighted.   Many small airports are on the verge of shutting down due to insurmountable deficits and this ought to inspire interest in alternatives such as rail to continue service to these communities.  Rail fuel usage is 1/6 vs. air and 1/3 vs. automobile.

·            Bill Johnson asked if corridor is established for its entirety.  Answer:  The corridor will operate on existing rights of way.  All inactive and abandoned portions within New Hampshire are owned by the state except for approximately 6 miles just north of Concord that is owned by Guilford Rail System.  Bill suggested that people and businesses along the proposed corridor have not been updated on the potential economic benefits of having such a service in place.  Peter remarked that community outreach has not even begun yet.

·            Peter stated that Fannie Mae has instituted an attractive mortgage program for income-eligible people who use public transportation.

·            Kenyon mentioned that he does not anticipate HSR would be used much for commuter travel.  Peter asked if people would adapt this train for commuter use as they have on the Downeaster.

·            Jack Sutton asked if there has been any public pressure on elected officials.  Peter answered not yet.  Jack stated that in Maine there are draft recommendations for long range transportation goals.  These are adopted by the local selectmen and eventually sent on to Maine DOT.  It is important to get endorsements from impacted communities along the routes.

·            Peter then introduced Ray Burton – Executive Councilor for District One.  Ray has been actively involved in politics for over 25 years and has always been a very strong supporter of rail initiatives in this state.

RAY BURTON

·            Councilor Burton distributed copies of “The Executive Council in the State of New Hampshire” – a description of the Executive Council’s responsibilities, “New Hampshire’s Executive Council” – an informational resource with phone numbers and other contact information, and “N.H. Railroad Promotion Marketing Day” – an itinerary of the events scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2003 at the Laconia RR Station including guest speakers, 9AM rail excursion, entertainment at the Plymouth Senior Center and a 6 PM dinner train.  Reservations can be made by calling (603) 745-2135 after October 14.

·            The 10-Year Transportation Plan is entering its final stages prior to adoption by the NHDOT.  It is the result of many regional planning commissions’ submissions on projects of most importance.  This draft form of the plan will now be going to eleven public hearings around the state for comments and amendments.  The accepted version will be introduced by the Governor & Council to the NH Legislature as a bill to become law.  Charlie St. Claire asked where this draft is available.  Ray answered at all public libraries and at the NHDOT.  It can be found also on the NHDOT website.

·            Representative Katsakiores said that an overwhelming response for rail could push issues through the legislature.  Long term office holders used to get things through, but the 10-Year Transportation Plan just seems to delay action.  The first plan was 15 pages long, now it is 240.  Ray responded by saying that people must call their legislators.  Kenyon surmised that NH rail corridors could be rebuilt in 2 seasons, as was the Boston-Portland line.  We should push hard on Lowell to Nashua and the Manchester – Lawrence. Highways can’t be rebuilt this quickly.

·            The Boston to Montreal study is somewhat on hold.  Commissioner Carol Murray does not feel that there are the three necessary votes on the Executive Council to fund Phase II of the study.  The lawsuit by the Motor Carriers will not be resolved soon.  Currently, 65¢ of every gas tax dollar goes towards highways as intended.  The remaining 35¢ goes to fund places such as the court system, drug awareness programs, Department of Safety, etc.  Friends of legislators have been influential to redirect almost $90M of the $150M annual revenue.  The state gas tax currently is 18¢ per gallon.  Councilor Burton has always supported the idea of using gas tax money to help fund rail initiatives.  Kenyon argued that much of this redirected revenue could be considered highway “related”

·            As this is close to an election year, there will likely be no mention of an increase to the gas tax.

·            Jack Sutton stated that Maine has similar constitutional language, but they have a transportation bond worth $62 that is not funded by their gas tax.  $9M of this bond is earmarked for rail.  Councilor Burton responded that Commissioner Murray has suggested a similar mechanism to fund the reconstruction and widening of I93.

·            Peter asked if the sentiment of the Executive Council is toward or against rail.  Ray responded that it would be a good idea for NHRRA to continue pushing its agenda.

·            John Palmer stated that the Circus Train is coming to Manchester and has 75 cars that are 85 feet long each.  Ray recommended that Councilors Wheeler and Wieczorek be invited to see it.

OTHER BUSINESS

·            Jack Sutton asked if there was anything positive regarding the Mountain Division.  A section has been rebuilt by the NHDOT in North Conway, the Downeaster terminates at the southern end and NH now owns the section of trackage once owned by Twin States RR on the west end.  NH should coordinate with Maine and Vermont to explore potentials here.  Is there any correspondence that can be drafted from Maine or Vermont?  This would certainly strengthen the Downeaster.  Peter said that high end tourist trains could travel from White River Junction to Portland and provide business for hotels, scenic areas and ski resorts.  Kenyon stated that the tracks are still in place, but no trains have been on the line since 1984.  The Acadia was a similar idea, but fell victim to the economic downturn and is now for sale.  It was very successful for tourist and foliage excursions.

·            Peter attended a meeting in Salisbury, MA where economic development was being discussed.  The reestablishment of the Eastern Route is still in the works.  Scott Bogle of the Rockingham Regional Planning Commission will be reconstructing the task force.  Jack stated that the Maine DOT is disappointed with the outlook for Kittery as the Downeaster is requiring more funding than was originally anticipated (equipment, etc.)

·            Jack distributed his MRG, Inc./Downeast Rail update.  Therein are many news items and initiatives underway in Maine.  This can be found at his website at www.downeastrail.org.  Kenyon asked if there is any study regarding HSR into Maine on the Boston to Portland route as this is also a designated corridor.  Jack responded that the track geometry would not lend itself to speeds higher than 80 MPH.

·            Representative Katsakiores asked again if any letters had been written to solicit funds for the organization.  Peter responded not yet.  Steve Piper will write a draft if there are specific entities we wish to direct letters to.  We need to identify businesses and populations along our corridors who would benefit (i.e., hotels, malls, restaurants) and the Department of Employment Security as well as transportation management associations of employers.

·            The October meeting will be held on the 27th at a location to be announced.  A meeting notice will be provided prior to the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.