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.