CDTC FREIGHT TASK FORCE

MEETING NOTES

Friday, November 14, 2003

 

 

Attendance:

Michael Franchini, Albany County

Steve Iachetta, Albany County Airport Authority

William Joyce, New York State Motor Truck Association

David Jukins, CDTC Staff

Gus Lapham, New York State Thruway Authority

Catherine Lawson, University of Albany

Kendra Pollard, New York State Motor Truck Association

Robert Ritter, Louis Berger Group

Ted Thompson, New York State Department of Transportation

 

TEA-21 Reauthorization Issues

 

Dave Jukins reported that reauthorization is continuing at a slow pace in Congress.  There is speculation that an agreement will not be reached until after the election, and that a two-year temporary authorization may be put in place.  A positive note is that metropolitan planning funding is likely to increase and that a new bill would focus additional attention on freight issues..

 

Dave pointed out that current features of the reauthorization include a freight ‘gateways program” that would elevate freight transportation needs, especially through major transport corridors like the I-87 Champlain/Hudson corridor.  The program also calls for integrating freight needs into the project development (design) process.  Dave pointed out that the Department’s Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) process could facilitate discussion of freight needs and opportunities once it’s fully deployed.  International freight transportation projects could become eligible under the Surface Transportation Program.

 

Ted Thompson also pointed out that the new bill would authorize a pilot project to permit commercial operations at Interstate rest areas, similar to services now being provided on toll facilities.  Ted pointed out that truck electrification facilities is one example of commercial services that is currently being used in New York on the Thruway.  They are being received well and that NYSDOT and NYSERDA are working together to place an electrification facility on the Northway near the Canadian border.

 

Participants commented favorably but expressed concern about the level of funding that would be provided to meet intermodal freight needs in the State.

 

Integrated Design Project

 

Dave Jukins noted that the MPO’s in New York commissioned a study that would document noteworthy CSS projects in the State.  There is particular interest in finding a project that successfully balances freight transportation and community interests.  Projects that are being considered include the Syracuse CSX and Plattsburgh Air Force Base redevelopment projects.  Both projects are notable because of the public/private partnerships that were used to create successful designs acceptable to all stakeholders.  Ted Thompson pointed out that smaller scale projects like the Morris/Cordell grade crossing in the Town of Colonie, Route 9J in Columbia County, and Hamilton Crossing might be good candidates.  Steve Iachetta mentioned the truck-to-plane transfer at the site of the Old Post Office at the Albany Airport could meet the criteria as well.

 

Port Inland Distribution Network (PIDN)

 

There was a lengthy discussion about the Port of Albany’s PIDN.  Ted Thompson noted that Port activity is increasing.  He noted that a new crane was purchased to move containers from barges to landside storage areas.  Bill Joyce pointed out that container distribution is most efficiently handled by truck.  He noted that potential to use rail is very limited because of the high expense to operate over short distances.

 

I-87 Study

 

Ted Thompson gave a brief status report of the I-87 corridor planning study.  He noted that the Department’s consultant has identified a list of short-term and long-range actions for the corridor.  The study’s advisory committee will be meeting to discuss policy implications of the list.  A workshop will be scheduled for early next year to discuss actions to improve freight movement.

 

Council of Logistic Management

 

Ted Thompson explained that the Council is a private sector organization with a mission of  promoting freight operations.  He noted that it’s essentially a networking organization. 

 

Member Updates/Current Events

 

NYSDOT:  Ted Thompson provided a brief overview of the Department’s transformation effort.  He noted that changes in the transportation environment including globalization of trade, increasing truck traffic, and security concerns are influencing organizational changes.  He explained that a key element of the transformation is the plan to convert the Department into an Integration Division and an Operating Division.  Details of the changes are still being developed.

 

In other business, Ted noted that Adirondack Beverages thruway trailers are now dropping at Exit 25A;  Adirondack Beverage wants to go through Scotia/Glenville Industrial Park.  The Department is working with the Thruway on a demonstration to drop trailers at Super Steel.  He noted that turning movements at Route 5/I-890 interchange are difficult and may create a problem.

 

NYSMTA:  Bill Joyce described the Association’s highway watch security program.  The program is designed to train drivers to look for unusual situations, like a Walmart truck pulling an oil tanker.

 

Bill noted that the Association sees a tremendous benefit to using EZ-Pass and other toll-pass systems.  They are interested in supporting incentives to get more carriers to use pass systems.  Bill explained that the Association is a vocal advocate for interoperability between different systems across the country.

 

NYSTA:  Gus Lapham reported that there is a growing problem with thefts from trailers at the Exit 24 tandem lot.  He indicated that the Thruway Authority is working with carriers to improve security.

 

The Exit 24 tandem lot project (where single trailers can use the access road from Washington Avenue Extension) has been let.

 

Albany County Airport Authority:  Steve Iachetta distributed a list published by the Capital District Business Review regarding passenger and freight activity at the Airport.  Steve pointed out that passenger airlines are being used to carry a large amount of freight.  He noted that in 2002, passenger airlines hauled 1,800 tons of freight in and out of Albany.

 

Albany County:  Mike Franchini reported that the County is considering purchasing the abandoned CP rail line.  The County is exploring opportunities to use the facility as a multi-use recreational path.