RECORD OF MEETING

FREIGHT TASK FORCE

DATE/TIME/PLACE: Monday, July 17, 1995; 2 PM; CDTC Offices, Colonie

ATTENDANCE: Dick Corp (NYSTA), Ted Thompson (NYSDOT Region One), Tom Magliocca (Port), Steve Iachetta (Albany County Airport), Larry Bascom (Quandt's Wholesale Distributors), Kristina Younger (CDTC)

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

Status Reports:

* Transit Task Force findings were reviewed.

* Northway Study Executive Summary was reviewed. Discussion of the cost estimates included notation that interchange work, and ongoing operational support (particularly for the managed shoulder concept) were not included.

* The status of the abandonment of the Voorheesville Running Track was discussed. There is support for preservation of right-of-way, but no agreement on future use. The implications for local freight delivery service, the possibility of the creation of a short-line railroad, and the difficulty of financing were all briefly noted.

* The continued growth of the intermodal market was noted.

* Steve Iachetta gave an update on the Albany County Airport cargo facility and handed out recent air cargo data. A consultant is at the 35% engineering mark for the cargo facility, which is being developed in three phases. It will cover 30,000 square feet on 30 acres. Sicker Road will provide short-term access -- in the long term, a connection via Pine Grove/Wade Road is planned. Groundbreaking is expected this fall. The land will continue to be owned by the Airport Authority: the buildings will be a lease/operating arrangement with reversion clauses.

Actions/Strategies: Draft actions were reviewed. List will be rearranged from the general to the specific, but seemed to be complete. Package was endorsed with the following modifications:

* TIP project selection criteria benefits (supplemental measures) should be more specific.

* Port access discussion should stress the intermodal aspects more.

* An emphasis on cost/benefit analysis is another way to use existing revenues more effectively.

* Regulation simplification discussion captured the sentiment -- Ray DeRocco should review the action before it is finalized, however.

* Benefits of a Freight Advisory Committee are similar to the "creating Partnerships" benefits -- perhaps the two should be combined.

* Biggest controversy was support for continued truck size and weight limits. No rail representatives were present. Action was "put to the side" pending further discussions. Task Force endorsement appears to be unlikely.

* Steve Iachetta to provide some additional documentation of airport improvement benefits. Current cost estimate should be confirmed with Bob Falcone.

* Vertical clearance standards (14' vs. 16.5') need to be clarified.

ACTION ITEMS:

* NEXT MEETING: Monday, September 18, 1995, 2 - 4 PM, CDTC Offices. Agenda to include: SEPTEMBER MEETING WILL REVIEW COMPLETE DRAFT FINAL REPORT. OCTOBER IS MAJOR CONFERENCE AND BEGINNING OF PHASE 3 OUTREACH.

* Kristina to complete final draft report.