More good news about cooperation among New England states to attract funding for a rail network that will boost the whole region. Projects that are being touted include establishing commuter rail service between Springfield and Hartford and New Haven, and improving and increasing passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont AND establishing commuter rail from Springfield to Worcester (!), which already has commuter rail service to Boston.
Great news all around. Far from a done deal funding wise, but at least New England can make a much stronger pitch for key projects like these when the states act in concert.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Connecticut formally applies for stimulus funds for New Haven to Springfield rail line
EXCERPT:
"Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the state is proceeding with its efforts to establish high-speed rail service between New Haven and Springfield by applying for a share of the $8 billion in stimulus funds available for high-speed rail projects."
"Governor Rell and Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick have been working together to expand commuter rail between the two major cities in the respective states. They wrote a letter in March to Amtrak President Joseph H. Boardman expressing their shared vision, outlining the benefits a reliable, high-speed service would bring to the region. State transportation officials from the two state and Amtrak officials have been meeting since March to move the project forward."
"Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the state is proceeding with its efforts to establish high-speed rail service between New Haven and Springfield by applying for a share of the $8 billion in stimulus funds available for high-speed rail projects."
"Governor Rell and Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick have been working together to expand commuter rail between the two major cities in the respective states. They wrote a letter in March to Amtrak President Joseph H. Boardman expressing their shared vision, outlining the benefits a reliable, high-speed service would bring to the region. State transportation officials from the two state and Amtrak officials have been meeting since March to move the project forward."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Springfield Union Station as Commuter Rail Hub by 2012?
Will we be riding better train service north and south from Springfield in the near future?Another positive report about the Union Station redevelopment agreement that has just been struck.
EXCERPT
"I believe by the time Union Station is built, we should have commuter rail service from Vermont and from Connecticut," Mary MacInnes, head of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority said.
An optimistic projection, maybe, but at least there is a lot of activity at the state and federal levels to speed up and increase rail development. We're not complacent, though. Keep speaking up for rail!
EXCERPT
"I believe by the time Union Station is built, we should have commuter rail service from Vermont and from Connecticut," Mary MacInnes, head of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority said.
An optimistic projection, maybe, but at least there is a lot of activity at the state and federal levels to speed up and increase rail development. We're not complacent, though. Keep speaking up for rail!
Union Station Redevelopment Agreement Reached--Finished 2012?
This is good news. Forward movement on this project helps create positive momentum for rail projects that would use Springfield as a hub, such as the proposed commuter rail link from New Haven-Hartford-Springfield and rail improvements from Springfield to Vermont.
EXCERPT:
Although the project has been at a standstill for years, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has just reached an agreement with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Together they will design build and operate the union station transportation center as a joint venture.
When the project is finished, the terminal will house PVTA, Amtrak, commuter rail and intercity bus services, as well as having office space, rentals for economic development, a transportation conference center and even a day care.
The project will use a combination of federal transit and state transit grants totaling $65.2 million. The design phase is expected to begin this fall, with an anticipated completion date of 2012.
EXCERPT:
Although the project has been at a standstill for years, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has just reached an agreement with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Together they will design build and operate the union station transportation center as a joint venture.
When the project is finished, the terminal will house PVTA, Amtrak, commuter rail and intercity bus services, as well as having office space, rentals for economic development, a transportation conference center and even a day care.
The project will use a combination of federal transit and state transit grants totaling $65.2 million. The design phase is expected to begin this fall, with an anticipated completion date of 2012.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sen. Dodd Continues Pushing for New Haven-Springfield Commuter Rail
EXCERPT:
Starting commuter and high-speed train service along the route "will create new transit villages, get people off the roads, and revitalize our regional economy," Dodd said as he convened a Senate banking committee hearing in Washington.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said "people need access to buses, light rail, walking, biking. That direction is the wave of the future."The federal Department of Transportation will expedite new mass transit projects, which can languish for 10 to 15 years between initial proposals and actual start of service, LaHood said.Transit advocates in Connecticut have been pushing for New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail service since the mid-1990s, but the project had little momentum until this year. Massachusetts and Connecticut officials are working with Amtrak to apply for a share of the Obama administration's stimulus funding for high-speed rail to make major improvements along the 62-mile line. Amtrak would use the corridor for part of new, 110-mph service linking Hartford to New York and eventually to Boston. The state DOT would use the same tracks for daily commuter trains with nearly 10 stops along the way.
Starting commuter and high-speed train service along the route "will create new transit villages, get people off the roads, and revitalize our regional economy," Dodd said as he convened a Senate banking committee hearing in Washington.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said "people need access to buses, light rail, walking, biking. That direction is the wave of the future."The federal Department of Transportation will expedite new mass transit projects, which can languish for 10 to 15 years between initial proposals and actual start of service, LaHood said.Transit advocates in Connecticut have been pushing for New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail service since the mid-1990s, but the project had little momentum until this year. Massachusetts and Connecticut officials are working with Amtrak to apply for a share of the Obama administration's stimulus funding for high-speed rail to make major improvements along the 62-mile line. Amtrak would use the corridor for part of new, 110-mph service linking Hartford to New York and eventually to Boston. The state DOT would use the same tracks for daily commuter trains with nearly 10 stops along the way.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hearing explores expanding Vermonter Amtrak service
This story offers a good quick overview of pro and con views offered at the two Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) public meetings on the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail study. About a dozen PVACR supporters attended the PVPC meetings (THANK YOU!) to speak up in support of the plan to realign the Amtrak Vermonter and lay the groundwork for increased passenger service and possibly full-blown commuter rail service in the future.
PVACR volunteer, Nancy Considine, asked the grandslam question of the meeting tonight: "How do you plan to use the support you've heard here tonight to help you get money for the project?" Timothy Brennan, Executive Dir. of the PVPC, responded bluntly that we need to keep building public support for the project, because any impression of tepid support will hurt our application for federal stimulus funding in the eyes of the evaluators. We are up against very stiff competition, he says, and it won't matter how stellar our request is if public support for the project is not strong.
So send your two cents! Short and sweet is fine -- and so is long and strong. Just take a quick minute to email your support of improved passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont to:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc. Attn: Knowledge Corridor Project, 11 Hanover Square, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10005 or mtalbot-minkin@hshassoc.com Deadline for comments: June 1. (The applications for federal stimulus funding for rail projects are due in August).
As always, feel free to post to this blog -- especially if you have impressions or questions from the May 19 & 20 PVPC meetings.
PVACR volunteer, Nancy Considine, asked the grandslam question of the meeting tonight: "How do you plan to use the support you've heard here tonight to help you get money for the project?" Timothy Brennan, Executive Dir. of the PVPC, responded bluntly that we need to keep building public support for the project, because any impression of tepid support will hurt our application for federal stimulus funding in the eyes of the evaluators. We are up against very stiff competition, he says, and it won't matter how stellar our request is if public support for the project is not strong.
So send your two cents! Short and sweet is fine -- and so is long and strong. Just take a quick minute to email your support of improved passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont to:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc. Attn: Knowledge Corridor Project, 11 Hanover Square, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10005 or mtalbot-minkin@hshassoc.com Deadline for comments: June 1. (The applications for federal stimulus funding for rail projects are due in August).
As always, feel free to post to this blog -- especially if you have impressions or questions from the May 19 & 20 PVPC meetings.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Riding a Good Rail Idea - Editorial
Editorial: Riding a good rail idea by Daily Hampshire Gazette
Transportation planners think in decades, so when proponents of improved rail service in the Pioneer Valley got wind of a funding source available within months, they went into overdrive.
At stake: a tiny piece of federal stimulus funding that could move a long-held transportation goal off the sidings.
Naturally, there would be winners and losers. That is a given when big sums of money are allocated for public projects.
If chosen for up to $30 million in U.S. funding, an effort led by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to improve tracks on a rail line that runs north and south through Northampton would end daily Amtrak service through Amherst.
Amherst's loss of that service, while an inconvenience to people who rely on it, would be the Valley's gain. We believe this is one of those public issues that demands an accounting that reaches beyond personal gains and losses.
Next Wednesday, people who want to see the Valley have greater access to passenger rail service can speak in support of the application for the stimulus funding, at a public meeting in Northampton.
As good luck would have it, the planning commission was already knee deep in a study, also paid with federal money, that is scoping out ways to improve rail service. Wednesday's public meeting is a required element of that study. Comments offered at the session will be made part of the application that will be reviewed in a few months by those deciding whether the rail-improvement project gets the green light. (see meeting details on this blog or http://www.springfieldrail.org)
On the flip side, those who believe that a good deal for Amherst-area travelers must not be scrapped can and should make their case at Wednesday's meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Northampton Clarion Hotel.
But that case, we believe, must give way to the greater good of increased ridership, needed improvements to the area's rail system infrastructure and the simple benefit of significantly reduced travel times through the Valley for riders on Amtrak's Vermonter trains.
It is true that 12,679 riders climbed on or off Amtrak trains in Amherst last year. But that figure cannot be claimed as Amherst's vote for continued service from the Railroad Street depot. With just two daily stops in the Valley, rail travelers from throughout the region have to travel to Amherst to catch their rides. By rerouting the Vermonter onto 50 miles of improved track, the service will be able to add stops in the region's important population centers of Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield.
Further, with the track improvements, and by ending a detour through Palmer, 50 minutes will be shaved from the trip from Springfield to St. Albans, Vt. That makes train travel more competitive with driving, transportation planners note.
After years of stalled hopes for improved Valley rail travel choices, this is no time to get in a fight over whose ride to the depot will get longer.
We say, all aboard on this one.
Transportation planners think in decades, so when proponents of improved rail service in the Pioneer Valley got wind of a funding source available within months, they went into overdrive.
At stake: a tiny piece of federal stimulus funding that could move a long-held transportation goal off the sidings.
Naturally, there would be winners and losers. That is a given when big sums of money are allocated for public projects.
If chosen for up to $30 million in U.S. funding, an effort led by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to improve tracks on a rail line that runs north and south through Northampton would end daily Amtrak service through Amherst.
Amherst's loss of that service, while an inconvenience to people who rely on it, would be the Valley's gain. We believe this is one of those public issues that demands an accounting that reaches beyond personal gains and losses.
Next Wednesday, people who want to see the Valley have greater access to passenger rail service can speak in support of the application for the stimulus funding, at a public meeting in Northampton.
As good luck would have it, the planning commission was already knee deep in a study, also paid with federal money, that is scoping out ways to improve rail service. Wednesday's public meeting is a required element of that study. Comments offered at the session will be made part of the application that will be reviewed in a few months by those deciding whether the rail-improvement project gets the green light. (see meeting details on this blog or http://www.springfieldrail.org)
On the flip side, those who believe that a good deal for Amherst-area travelers must not be scrapped can and should make their case at Wednesday's meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Northampton Clarion Hotel.
But that case, we believe, must give way to the greater good of increased ridership, needed improvements to the area's rail system infrastructure and the simple benefit of significantly reduced travel times through the Valley for riders on Amtrak's Vermonter trains.
It is true that 12,679 riders climbed on or off Amtrak trains in Amherst last year. But that figure cannot be claimed as Amherst's vote for continued service from the Railroad Street depot. With just two daily stops in the Valley, rail travelers from throughout the region have to travel to Amherst to catch their rides. By rerouting the Vermonter onto 50 miles of improved track, the service will be able to add stops in the region's important population centers of Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield.
Further, with the track improvements, and by ending a detour through Palmer, 50 minutes will be shaved from the trip from Springfield to St. Albans, Vt. That makes train travel more competitive with driving, transportation planners note.
After years of stalled hopes for improved Valley rail travel choices, this is no time to get in a fight over whose ride to the depot will get longer.
We say, all aboard on this one.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hearings slated on expanded rail service for Western Massachusetts
We urge all rail supporters to attend one or both of the public meetings that the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) has scheduled for the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Line Study to learn project details and ask questions.
A number of Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail members will be attending the meetings to show support for this project and the many benefits it would bring to whole region. Please join us!
Date: 05-19-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Banknorth, 1441 Main St., Suite 1200, Springfield, MA 01103. Google map/directions. Parking is available in the lot behind the TD Banknorth building.
Date: 05-20-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA 01060. Google map/directions
From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take exit 4. From I-91 North and South: Take exit 18, take a right at end of ramp. Hotel is 3 tenths of a mile on the right.
A number of Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail members will be attending the meetings to show support for this project and the many benefits it would bring to whole region. Please join us!
Date: 05-19-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Banknorth, 1441 Main St., Suite 1200, Springfield, MA 01103. Google map/directions. Parking is available in the lot behind the TD Banknorth building.
Date: 05-20-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA 01060. Google map/directions
From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take exit 4. From I-91 North and South: Take exit 18, take a right at end of ramp. Hotel is 3 tenths of a mile on the right.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Rail Commuter Line Would Be Perfect Fit
Early good news on the federal transportation funding front for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield commuter rail project.
The Hartford Courant reports that Minnesota Rep. James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, "says the long-stalled New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail project would be a natural fit for the kind of overhauled transit system that he envisions for America." Oberstar is about to lead the effort to draft Oberstar a multiyear, $400 billion to $450 billion federal transportation bill.
Way too early to celebrate, of course. Too much wheeling and dealing ahead to think that fed funding of the NHHS line will be a given. So stay tuned and keep chiming in with your elected and government officials.
The Hartford Courant reports that Minnesota Rep. James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, "says the long-stalled New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail project would be a natural fit for the kind of overhauled transit system that he envisions for America." Oberstar is about to lead the effort to draft Oberstar a multiyear, $400 billion to $450 billion federal transportation bill.
Way too early to celebrate, of course. Too much wheeling and dealing ahead to think that fed funding of the NHHS line will be a given. So stay tuned and keep chiming in with your elected and government officials.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Train Departing Amherst Station?
If the link above doesn't work for you, try http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=9665
A thoughtful look at the proposal to reroute the Vermonter north of Springfield to run through Greenfield, Northampton, and Holyoke. Extensive discussion with project planner Dana Roscoe of PVPC.
Be sure to come out to the May 19 & 20 meetings that PVPC is hosting about this project. Meeting details on the this main blog page or http://www.springfieldrail.org/.
A thoughtful look at the proposal to reroute the Vermonter north of Springfield to run through Greenfield, Northampton, and Holyoke. Extensive discussion with project planner Dana Roscoe of PVPC.
Be sure to come out to the May 19 & 20 meetings that PVPC is hosting about this project. Meeting details on the this main blog page or http://www.springfieldrail.org/.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Amherst to Push to Keep Amtrak
With a project like the proposed Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study, that affects so many people in the Pioneer Valley, it's nice to have opportunities for a full discussion of what is being proposed and its potential pluses and minuses.
The study examines rerouting the Amtrak Vermonter to cut about 45 minutes off the trip to Vermont while adding station service to Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield. It also examines the potential for establishing commuter rail service on the line.
If you have questions about these proposals, or just want to be part of the discussion, please attend one of the meetings the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is holding May 19 & 20 in the area.
Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail supporters will be attending both meetings.
PVPC Public Meetings on the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study
Date: 05-19-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Banknorth, 1441 Main St., Suite 1200, Springfield, MA 01103. Google map/directions. Parking is available in the lot behind the TD Banknorth building.
Date: 05-20-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA 01060. From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take exit 4. From I-91 North and South: Take exit 18, take a right at end of ramp. Hotel is 3 tenths of a mile on the right.
The study examines rerouting the Amtrak Vermonter to cut about 45 minutes off the trip to Vermont while adding station service to Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield. It also examines the potential for establishing commuter rail service on the line.
If you have questions about these proposals, or just want to be part of the discussion, please attend one of the meetings the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is holding May 19 & 20 in the area.
Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail supporters will be attending both meetings.
PVPC Public Meetings on the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study
Date: 05-19-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Banknorth, 1441 Main St., Suite 1200, Springfield, MA 01103. Google map/directions. Parking is available in the lot behind the TD Banknorth building.
Date: 05-20-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA 01060. From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take exit 4. From I-91 North and South: Take exit 18, take a right at end of ramp. Hotel is 3 tenths of a mile on the right.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Franklin County, MA Transit Center -- Future Commuter Rail Stop -- Launched
So many wins from this project
Breaking ground on this transit center is exciting for many reasons. It will stimulate economic activity, it's a green multimodal center that will drastically minimize energy use and can actually generate energy, AND, it's another building block in both the restoration of passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont and establishing commuter rail service from Vermont through Springfield all the way to New Haven, CT.
More signs from Gov. Patrick and Secy. Aloisi that they get how important investment in public transit -- in WESTERN MASS -- really is.
Breaking ground on this transit center is exciting for many reasons. It will stimulate economic activity, it's a green multimodal center that will drastically minimize energy use and can actually generate energy, AND, it's another building block in both the restoration of passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont and establishing commuter rail service from Vermont through Springfield all the way to New Haven, CT.
More signs from Gov. Patrick and Secy. Aloisi that they get how important investment in public transit -- in WESTERN MASS -- really is.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Turbo Boost for New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail project?
This could be awesome news for the prospects of commuter rail from Springfield to New Haven and more convenient access to NYC. Dodd and other legislators will need us to help make some noise to help win funding.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Business on board with rail expansion. In Minnesota. What about Massachusetts?
"[Minnesota businesses] see investing in transit infrastructure as a winner."
Rallying business support for passenger and commuter rail improvements in Western Mass is an easy sell. Businesses and organizations need a reliable, efficient transportation system as much or more than individuals do -- to conduct business, ensure that their employees can easily reach them, and to tap into the widest and deepest talent pool to attract new employees.
This is an area where the Pioneer Valley Advocates could use help. We have heard positive things from the business and community leaders we have spoken to. We need a more sustained and systematic approach to enlisting the support of the region's biggest employers -- like Univ. of Massachusetts, Bay State Health, Mass Mutual, Big Y, and others -- and the thousands of small businesses that produce so many jobs.
Your ideas and help are welcome!
Rallying business support for passenger and commuter rail improvements in Western Mass is an easy sell. Businesses and organizations need a reliable, efficient transportation system as much or more than individuals do -- to conduct business, ensure that their employees can easily reach them, and to tap into the widest and deepest talent pool to attract new employees.
This is an area where the Pioneer Valley Advocates could use help. We have heard positive things from the business and community leaders we have spoken to. We need a more sustained and systematic approach to enlisting the support of the region's biggest employers -- like Univ. of Massachusetts, Bay State Health, Mass Mutual, Big Y, and others -- and the thousands of small businesses that produce so many jobs.
Your ideas and help are welcome!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Dodd: We need better transit to get our economy moving and address the challenges ahead
From the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over the transit portion of the transportation bill, a good indication that public transit will be a higher priority in the next bill.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Carrots and Sticks for Cleaner Transportation -- Petition from Transportation for America
Check it out and sign on if you agree!
Excerpt:
"Right now, one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States come from transportation! If we are going to successfully combat climate change, the clean energy bill must offer meaningful incentives for states and local governments to clean up transportation systems. We must support local initiatives to provide transportation alternatives and set state-wide goals and transportation pollution reduction goals that are in line with our national goal to build a cleaner future.
Sign your name to our national petition today, and tell key decision-makers in Congress to strengthen the transportation section of the new climate bill!"
Excerpt:
"Right now, one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States come from transportation! If we are going to successfully combat climate change, the clean energy bill must offer meaningful incentives for states and local governments to clean up transportation systems. We must support local initiatives to provide transportation alternatives and set state-wide goals and transportation pollution reduction goals that are in line with our national goal to build a cleaner future.
Sign your name to our national petition today, and tell key decision-makers in Congress to strengthen the transportation section of the new climate bill!"
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Latest PVACR eNewsletter: Rail Updates & Apr. 16 General Meeting
Pioneer Valley Rail Progress
This is the most recent e-newsletter from Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail. To get PVACR email updates and action alerts one to three times a month, be sure to subscribe.
This is the most recent e-newsletter from Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail. To get PVACR email updates and action alerts one to three times a month, be sure to subscribe.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Rail Advocates See Hope In Federal Stimulus Money
WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports on the efforts of New England Regional Rail Coalition members, including PVACR, to lobby for federal stimulus money for regional rail projects, including the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail line from Springfield to White River Junction, VT.
"A group of environmentalists, rail transportation advocates, planners and business people are lobbying to get federal stimulus money spent on passenger rail projects in New England. There is hope the federal money could be used to bring commuter rail to Western Massachusetts"
Full WAMC Northeast Public Radio report
NERRC and PVACR Press release announcing lobbying effort:
Working on the Railroad: NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL RAIL COALITION URGES FUNDING FOR RAIL
"A group of environmentalists, rail transportation advocates, planners and business people are lobbying to get federal stimulus money spent on passenger rail projects in New England. There is hope the federal money could be used to bring commuter rail to Western Massachusetts"
Full WAMC Northeast Public Radio report
NERRC and PVACR Press release announcing lobbying effort:
Working on the Railroad: NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL RAIL COALITION URGES FUNDING FOR RAIL
Gov. Patrick Discusses Commuter Rail in Western Mass at Town Forum
Q: "When and how soon, will the Pioneer Valley obtain commuter rail service? asked "Michael from East Longmeadow"
Gov. Patrick fielded a question about commuter rail from PVACR member and Treasurer, Michael Galvagni (thanks!) at a live town forum broadcast on WWLP Channel 22 last night. The Governor answered at some length about working with Connecticut and Vermont to provide commuter rail south and north from Springfield, but his bottom line is that we need federal help to get this done.
The question is asked at the 9 min, 20 sec point of this video segment, the third segment on the wwlp.com web site.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Palmer Seeks to Lure Amtrak
Palmer officials certainly appreciate the economic development and transportation benefits that rail brings. Anyone interested in learning about the projected benefits of the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Line that the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is studying and raising questions about it will have opportunities at two public meetings that are part of the study.
PVPC Public Meetings on the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study
Date: 05-19-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Banknorth, 1441 Main St., Suite 1200, Springfield, MA 01103.
Google map/directions. Parking is available in the lot behind the TD Banknorth building.
Date: 05-20-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA 01060.
From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take exit 4. From I-91 North and South: Take exit 18, take a right at end of ramp. Hotel is 3 tenths of a mile on the right.
Public meeting notices will go out the first week of May. We urge all rail supporters to bring their questions and notepads to learn more about expanding rail services in our region.
PVPC Public Meetings on the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study
Date: 05-19-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Banknorth, 1441 Main St., Suite 1200, Springfield, MA 01103.
Google map/directions. Parking is available in the lot behind the TD Banknorth building.
Date: 05-20-2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA 01060.
From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take exit 4. From I-91 North and South: Take exit 18, take a right at end of ramp. Hotel is 3 tenths of a mile on the right.
Public meeting notices will go out the first week of May. We urge all rail supporters to bring their questions and notepads to learn more about expanding rail services in our region.
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