RECORD OF MEETING

FREIGHT TASK FORCE

 

DATE/TIME/PLACE: Monday, July 28, 1997; 2 PM; CDTC Offices, 5 Computer Drive West, Colonie

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.