Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

June 13, 2007

 

Attendance:

Chester:                                                                                                                               Clinton:                

Deep River:                  Dick Smith

Essex:                           Phil Miller

Killingworth:                

Lyme:                            

Old Lyme:                    Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:              Mike Pace

Westbrook:

CRERPA:                    Bruce Edgerton                                                                                                       ETD:                                  Doris Sanstrom            

Guests:                         ETD Director Brad Beecher, ECSI Executive Director                                                  Paula Ferraro, Jeff Nelson, representing Gov. Jodi Rell,

                                    Gene Tewksbury, Field Representative for Congressman Joe

                                    Courtney, Rep. James Spallone

CRERPA Staff:          Jean Davies, Wini Olson

 

            The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 8:30 AM in the conference space of the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency.

 

I. Public Involvement

            There were no comments from the public.

 

II.        Phil Miller moved that the minutes of the May 9, 2007 meeting be approved as distributed. The motion was seconded by Dick Smith and unanimously approved. Chairman Pace abstained from voting. He was out of the country in May.

 

III. Federal and State Programs

  1. STIP Amendments

            The STIP amendment involves traffic circles in Seymour and Killingworth. Tim Griswold questioned the advisability of voting on an issue that involves a town that is not represented at the table. Chairman Pace suggested that it also involves the public interest and that the public should not be punished for the lack of diligence of a municipal official. Dick Smith moved that the STIP amendment be approved. The motion was seconded Bruce Edgerton and unanimously approved.

  1. Bikeway Management

            Jean Davies announced that there is renewed interest in a North/South bikeway from the Massachusetts border to the Long Island Sound. Janice Ehle-Meyer attended a meeting in Hartford yesterday. The Rail to Bike proposal was discussed.              Janice explained to the participants that in the Connecticut River Estuary Region the rail corridor has been leased to the Valley Railroad. In this region the internal route along Route 154 is used as a bikeway. There have been discussions about integrating the rail route with bike enthusiasts. Bikes can be accommodated on trains.

            The conversation evolved into the possibility of integrating the railroad into the transportation system.

            Phil Miller asked about the need for grade changes between Haddam and Middletown.

            Bruce Edgerton agreed that the northern end of the route does need work.

Track improvements on the southern stretch of the route were completed two weeks ago.

            Mike Pace commented on how impressed he was with how people are moved about in Europe. Small buses are used effectively.

            Phil Miller mentioned the interest in linking the Mid-state and Shoreline bus systems.

  1. Public Transit update

           ETD Chairman Doris Sanstrom reported that the governor is supportive of linking Old Saybrook and Niantic. She is supportive of the state supplying another bus for that purpose through the governor’s Service initiative.

            Brad Beecher reported that Caring Ways is no longer operative. The state reclaimed the buses formerly granted to that organization. One of them is available for the ETD. Unfortunately, the state transported it from Old Saybrook to Newington. The ETD must retrieve it from Newington. Both the prison and the State Park will be served by the linking the routes. $30,000 of state money will allow two trips daily. Brad hopes to increase the number of trips after the trial proves the value of the service.

 

IV. Other Transportation Business

A.     State Legislature

            Chairman Pace asked Rep. Spallone if there is any transportation related business in the State Legislature.

            Jamey noted that Transportation Strategy Issues include expanding the Shoreline East with service to New London.

            The Marine Trades is concerned about the need for bridge openings.

Jamey reported that he vociferously opposed selling the opportunity to give corporate names to local railroad stations.

            Mike mentioned his concern about maintaining the Connecticut River as a viable transportation route.

            Phil Miller added that Essex has permits from both the DEP and the Army Corps of Engineers. There are not enough reliable dredging companies to do the work that is needed.

            Jamie announced that he is in favor of establishing a State Transit Authority- independent of the DOT. It was agreed that the DOT is dedicated to highway construction. It was also agreed that the suggestion will result in a turf war.

           Mike again commented on the European transportation. He rented a small station wagon the traveled 98 miles per liter- with about 3 liters in a gallon. It does not have satisfactory air emissions standards for use in the US.

         Doris Sanstrom brought up rail rates between New York and Old Saybrook. Amtrack demands a premium.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 AM.

 

             Respectfully submitted,

 

      Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary