RECORD OF MEETING

FREIGHT TASK FORCE

 

Friday, August 16, 2002, New Rensselaer Amtrak Station, Rensselaer, NY

 

Attendance: 

                                     

Michael Franchini (Albany County)

Gus Lapham (NYS Thruway)

Catherine Lawson (UAlbany)

John Newman (Hunt Engineering)        

Ted Thompson (NYSDOT - Region 1)

Anjelika Harrington (CDTC intern)

Teresa La Salle (CDTC)

Shaun Logue (CDTC intern)

Jason Purvis (CDTC)

 

 

Thank you to CDTA for providing the Task Force with the tour of the New Rensselaer Rail Station.

 

Record of Previous Meeting - The minutes of the May 2002 meeting were approved.

 

Member Updates/Current Events

 

NYSDOT– T. Thompson reported that NYSDOT is looking into having a truck electrification facility at one rest stop on I-87 between Albany and the Canadian border, probably on the southbound side.  NYSDOT is currently working with NYSERDA to accomplish this project.  Currently there is a facility on the NYS Thruway Eastbound side near Dewitt.  This facility uses idle air technology and does not require the trucks to have any special equipment.  The facility provides trucks with heat, power, communication and engine temperature control.  The facility on the Northway would use a different technology that would require trucks to have special equipment installed.  Truck Electrification reduces fuel consumption and engine wear, and also provides a positive environmental benefit.

 

NYS Thruway – G. Lapham noted that the Thruway has received NYSDOT's comments on the Exit 24 Tandem Lot project where single trailers can use the access road from Washington Avenue Extension. The project will be looked at in greater detail this year.

 

Albany County – M. Franchini reported that the Bethlehem Truck Study is in draft form and could possibly be out by the end of August.  He noted that the Town of Bethlehem is considering truck restrictions on roads.  It was noted that the study lacked input from the trucking industry. 

 

SUNY Albany – C. Lawson is currently putting together a proposal to FHWA for freight training, if funds are available. C. Lawson mentioned that a white paper she wrote for TRB based on the Oregon survey on congestion and it's impacts is currently in review.

 

 

Status of CDTC Activities

Advance the Choice Event – J. Purvis announced that CDTC, NYSERDA, and the Clean Communities Coalition are sponsoring a showcase of Clean Air Technology on Thursday, October 17th at the Albany International Airport from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Attendance is limited to 100.

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

CDTC Freight Task Force Meeting: November 15th at the CDTC Office