RECORD OF
MEETING
FREIGHT
TASK FORCE
DATE/TIME/PLACE: Monday, October 20, 1997; 2 PM; CDTC Offices, 5 Computer
Drive West, Colonie
ATTENDANCE:
Ted Thompson (NYSDOT Region 1), Jack Earl (NYSDOT Freight and Economic
Development Division), Larry Arnold (UPS), Art Dutcher (DUI), Brian Gallagher
(BLE/Conrail), Bill Nykorchuck (MAN of NY), Lieutenant Steve Cumuletti
(NYS Police), Steve Allocco, Kristina Younger (CDTC)
DISCUSSION
SUMMARY:
Welcome, introductions, and agenda review started the meeting.
Status Reports/Current Events: The material included in the mailing
was reviewed. Discussion focused on the Conrail
acquisition, the (dismal) current state of affairs out west with the Union
Pacific and its impact on the Conrail sale.
After discussion, the task force recommended that a letter be sent to
the Surface Transportation Board and CSX/NS where the CDTC takes a stronger
stance than in previous correspondence.
The letter should reiterate already stated concerns, particularly over
safety, competitive access, and level and quality of service. Concerns are being raised,
and economic investment decisions being delayed due to lack of communication
with local shippers and carriers. Albany's geographic position gives us a linking
role in the system (no matter what its configuration). Letter should be clear that we are not declaring
support or opposition to the
acquisition -- but that we haven't been provided with enough detailed
information for our area to make an informed decision.
Status of CDTC Activities: Kristina Younger noted the success of
the Roundtable and provided copies of CSX's presentation to the Business
Council to interested parties. Kristina is going to be loaned to CDTA for a
year, starting in November, but will be continuing her duties with the task
force. A separate project manager will
be hired for the tandem Lot Relocation Study, however. Also, work on integrating the railroad grade
crossing inventory into the Geographic Information System (GIS) will begin over the winter.
PRESENTATION:
Northway Incident Management: Lieutenant Steve Cumoletti from NYS Police Troop G gave
a presentation on current cooperative efforts underway to clear accidents
faster on the Northway and other Capital Region highways. A number of questions regarding Northway
operations (the wave theory of congestion, staffing of the substation at Exit
9, cooperation with local agencies) were discussed. The Traffic Operations Center will not be a "Taj Mahal to technology"
like some others have been, but rather begin with basic communications. The role of call-ins, particularly
"Truck Watch" on the Thruway, in reporting accidents and other
matters were highlighted. Uses for the
data collected were noted.
ACTION
ITEMS:
·
CDTC staff will continue to monitor the Conrail merger proceedings and
provide status reports.
·
NEXT TASK FORCE MEETING: Monday, January 26, 1998, 2 - 4 PM. AT THE NORTHEAST INDUSTRIAL PARK IN
GUILDERLAND. Agenda to include: Member
updates, status of the Tandem Lot Relocation Study, Conrail acquisition, and
tour of facility.
·
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.