RECORD OF
MEETING
FREIGHT
TASK FORCE
DATE/TIME/PLACE: Monday,
ATTENDANCE:
Ted Thompson (NYSDOT Region 1), Jack Earl (NYSDOT Freight and Economic
Development Division), Roger Bergeron (Boston & Maine), Dick Corp (NYSTA),
Steve Iachetta (Airport), John Davies (Stott & Davies), Kristina Younger
(CDTC)
DISCUSSION
SUMMARY:
Welcome and introductions started the meeting.
There were minor changes to the minutes of the previous meeting.
Status Reports: NYSDOT Region:
Ted Thompson reported on the release of the "Multimodal Program"
project list by the legislature. THRUWAY:
EZ Pass use by commercial accounts is growing more than projections. AIRPORT:
Cargo facility construction should start this season. The Colonie IDA will no longer be
participating the in financing of the facility and wetlands issues are close to
resolution. Recent press regarding the
debate on increasing truck size and weight limitations was briefly noted.
Status of CDTC TIP Update: Kristina Younger highlighted Goods
movement projects included in the CDTC Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP). The Tandem Lot Relocation Study
proposal generated some discussion. A
clear message that a broad array of alternatives should be looked at, and that
current users of the lots at Exit 23 and 24 should be involved in definition of
the alternatives was heard. The history
of the design of the existing lots, particularly at Exit 24 was outlined.
Conrail Acquisition: Kristina Younger outlined the memo on the Capital
Region impacts of the Conrail acquisition and CDTC's comments to the Surface
Transportation Board regarding the scope of the environmental document that is
in preparation.
Fall Roundtable Planning: The task force endorsed the
preliminary agenda and potential speakers for the Fall Roundtable. Various members offered support, including
the availability of an Operation Lifesaver training car from the Boston &
Maine railroad. Kristina Younger will
follow up as necessary during August.
See action items.
ACTION
ITEMS:
·
CDTC staff will continue to monitor the Conrail merger proceedings and
provide status reports.
·
(3RD!) FREIGHT ROUNDTABLE: Wednesday, September 17, 1997 at the RPI Alumni House in Troy, 9-1. Kristina will be contacting potential
co-sponsors, panelists, and moderators shortly.
Publicity and registration forms will be mailed by the third week in
August.
·
NEXT TASK FORCE MEETING: Monday,
October 20, 1997, 2 - 4 PM. Place to
be determined. Agenda to include: Member
updates, Fall Roundtable report, and status of the Tandem Lot Relocation Study
and Conrail acquisition.
·
Thruway Authority will provide CDTC with a list of current tandem lot
users to help in establishing an advisory committee for the tandem lot
relocation study.