RECORD OF MEETING

FREIGHT TASK FORCE

 

DATE/TIME/PLACE:  Monday, March 28, 1994; 2 PM; Albany County Airport Director's Offices, Colonie

 

ATTENDANCE:  Steve Iachetta (Airport), John Newman, Sy Syvertsen (CEG), John Lemmerman and Dennis Cotrell (NYSDOT Commercial Transport), Dick Corp (NYSTA), Chungchin Chen (CDRPC), Dick Carlson (NYSDOT), Kristina Younger (CDTC)

 

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:  Record of last meeting changed to reflect discussion of Doug Hughes letter and the need for further follow-up.  Follow-up on the airport discussion also occurred.  It was noted that there are no constraints on cargo capacity at the Albany County Airport.  Noise restrictions do not apply to scheduled flights (which all cargo flights are), and in fact, the cargo carriers were among the first to buy the quieter planes.  Current runway length of 7200' CAN (and does) accommodate a 747, but the constraint is fuel capacity.  Planes with enough fuel to reach Europe, for example, wouldn't be able to be accommodated.  The heliport/vertiport proposal also received additional discussion.  The airport is actively involved in its development and feels that a different market is served - a direct city to city market that requires direct access to downtowns and financial/government centers.  Because the facility is purely for pick up and drop off, fueling and maintenance facilities are not required and environmental clearances are easier to obtain.

 

Presentation:  Urban Delivery Systems Video:  Video provided by UPS was viewed, which emphasized the need for designated loading zones and curbside management in urban areas, and highlighting the problems faced and innovative solutions that have been implemented in various places.  Statements regarding turning radius problems for trucks prompted comments on the ever-increasing size and weight of trucks and a discussion of what is reasonable to design to accommodate.  The industry is pushing for longer vehicles, and while the debate on longer combination vehicles (LCVs) was temporarily put to rest by ISTEA, it can be expected to resurface over the next 20 years.

 

Highway Deficiency Mapping:  Omissions from the draft map (only includes state touring routes and state-owned bridges) were noted.  Most of discussion focused around what other deficiencies should be catalogued.  The following was agreed upon:

 

Narrow lanes: Identify the locations where lanes width is less than 10' and trucks are greater than 10% of traffic (or road is on NHS)

LOCATIONS OF KNOWN TRUCK ACCIDENTS:  Flag those locations where there is a known problem (e.g. I-87/I-90 interchange rollovers)

TURNING RADII RESTRICTIONS:  Focus on key locations, namely intermodal and trucking terminals.  For now, use AASHTO standards and assume 47' maximum length trucks.

COMMERCIAL PARKING:  Make general policy/principle statements about the problems and need for local solutions

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:  Make general policy/principle statements about collaborative enforcement and communication, and routing that follows the safest reasonable route

SUPPORT FACILITIES:  Note locations of existing and desirability of additional service areas for truckers, emphasizing public/private partnerships as the implementing mechanism

INTERMODAL FACILITIES:  Regional interest in their efficiency of operations rests in contributions to overall economic vitality.  However, issues of jurisdiction and proprietary information are such that this is an area to tread carefully.  Deficiencies in Capital District intermodal facilities will only be addressed if identified as a problem by outreach efforts.  The philosophy to be followed is one which will focus on the type of activities within MPO purview -- such as surface access -- rather issue of operational efficiencies within terminals.

 

Survey of Goods Movement:  Revised outline and preliminary mailing list were distributed.  Additional sources of addresses were requested and offered, including additions to the coding system for distribution.  Full discussion of the survey content was deferred to the next meeting when a draft will be available to react to.  Further discussion as to whether one survey or several variations will be required is required.

 

Planning and Investment Principles and Performance Measures:  More of a relationship between the principles and the performance measures is required.  Specific comments on level of detail, organization of the principles, flavor of the wording, and orientation of the principles will be incorporated into the next draft, which will be a major discussion item at the April meeting.  More discussion of performance measures was also deferred to that time.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

*    NEXT MEETINGS:  Monday, April 25, 2 - 5 PM, NYSDOT Region 1 - 84 Holland Avenue and Monday, May 23, 2 - 5 PM, CDTC

*    Agenda to include rail deficiency mapping, survey, further discussion on investment principles, performance measures, performance objectives.

*    John Lemmerman to bring Intermodal Management System inventory back to the Task Force when it is closer to completion.

*          Railroad meeting with the bicycle advocates to discuss overall "Rails-to-Trails" development in the Capital District still needs to be scheduled.  Kristina to follow up.