Minutes
Connecticut
River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization
March
11, 2009
Attendance:
Chester: Tom Marsh
Clinton: Willie
Fritz
Deep
River: Dick Smith
Essex: Phil
Miller
Killingworth:
Richard Cabral
Lyme: Ralph
Eno
Old
Lyme: Tim Griswold
Old
Saybrook: Bill Peace, Selectman, alternte
Westbrook: Noel Bishop
ETD: Joseph Comerford,
Executive Director
Guests: Carla Iezzi, DOT Representative
Jeff Nelson,
Governor Rell’s Representative
James P.
Redeker, Bureau Chief DOT
CRERPA Staff: Linda
Krause, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Jean Davies, Pat Anthony
Federal and State
Programs:
a. Special Guest: James Redeker, Bureau Chief CTDOT
Mr. Redeker comes from New Jersey after 30 years with NJ DOT and has extensive background in rail and bus operations, which are his current direct responsibilities at CTDOT.
His main objective is to enhance, repair and provide rail parking in CT. The net result would be an increase in rail ridership. He asked the CEOs to work with him in this endeavor. He asked that 2 or 3representatives from the MPO serve on the Rail Parking Task Force. The Task Force will serve to identify major issues, develop near and long-term solutions and plans for implementation.
Tasks to be accomplished:
· Rail station access gap analysis – current and forecasted demand by station, municipality and/or geographic area.
Outreach –
· Task Force – internal CTDOT resources, MPO’s and Commuter Council, Other principal contacts.
· Develop Alternatives/Strategies – summarize current activities and strategy options
· Formation of short, mid and long range recommendations
Selectman Bill Peace volunteered for the task force Bill stated that improvements to the I-95 corridor are not imminent and that rail was the only option. Trains should run every hour on the hour with adequate parking for the commuters. These are reasonable and attainable goals. Local knowledge is vital to successful implementation. Getting land for parking in this down market might be a solution. We must develop the expertise and capacity to run shuttles.
Jean briefly discussed bridge openings and how they affect rail and boat traffic. There are no Federal Guidelines regarding a conflict between waterborne and rail freight. CRERPA would like to develop a database on boat traffic on the CT River and is looking for funding for the project.
b. Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Funding: There are 3 projects from the towns.
1. Sidewalk Vendor in Place – (Old Saybrook and Chester) Funds provide sidewalk construction or replacement. There has been no word from CTDOT on funding. Bill Peace suggested one way to get the money to the towns is thru LOCIP. It would put people to work and funding would be almost immediate.
2. Killingworth Bridge – This is now an 80-20 split and should not be included.
3. 154 & Rte 1 for bike overlay in Old Saybrook.
c. STIP Amendments:
A motion to approve was made by Willie Fritz, seconded by Rich Cabral. An amended motion was made by Bill Peace to exclude the design of traffic signals. There appears to be something very wrong with the numbers. The design of the signs should run no more than $5,000. The amendment was approved unanimously.
A motion to approve the amended motion was made. All were in favor, with the opposition of Tom Marsh. The amended motion was approved.
d. Planning Projects Updates: Guidelines being sent via email by Jean.
e. ETD Update: Municipal Grant Program: ETD has applied for grant. Joe clarified the towns’ requirements on the forms and any substitutions that are necessary to complete the document.
f. CTDOT/CREMPO Correspondence – None
5. Other Transportation Business:
Jean distributed a back road pocket guide that Wini Olson dropped off at CRERPA.
Next month the FTA and the FHWA will be here to discuss the results of the critique they did on the MPO. Their review of the MPO was favorable.
6. Adjournment: The motion to adjourn was made by Rich Cabral, seconded by Willie Fritz. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat M. Anthony, Clerk