$100 million in rail funds coming for Springfield to New Haven and Springfield to Vermonth rail projects

"More than 100 million for projects affecting Western Massachusetts..." YES! Governor Deval Patrick: "This is exceptional news. The Knowledge Corridor is a cornerstone of our vision for regional rail and regional economic growth. This $70 million will support long-awated improvements, create jobs and restore access to cities in the Pioneer Valley." YES!

U.S. Railroad Head: Hopeful for January $8B Stimulus Spending

Dow Jones reports: "The agency had planned to divvy up the money in October, but "the fact of the matter is, this is a transformational time for passenger rail. We're taking a few more months to make sure the $8B is clearly invested in the right places."

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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.