Date: July 1, 2009
To: Members of the Blackstone Valley Partnership
In preparation for our 7/21 discussion of
transportation opportunities and priorities, you should have already
received a transportation modes “SWOT Survey” which was also sent to
all municipal planners in the Blackstone Valley (RI and MA).
Attached here are the following documents to help inform our
discussion as it relates specifically to potential rail
improvements:
-
Final Report for the Woonsocket-Warwick Commuter Rail
Feasibility Study
-
Report Distribution Memo from the Providence Foundation and City
of Woonsocket
-
New England Rail Coalition mission and principles (which
includes a suggestion to explore extension of commuter rail
study north from Woon. to Worcester)
-
Boston Globe article (5/18) regarding regional rail
opportunities
-
Boston Globe editorial (5/28) regarding regional rail
opportunities
Both RI Statewide Planning and Central Mass.
Regional Planning Commission are confirmed participants for our 7/21
meeting. I anticipate that we will spend 30 minutes discussing the
feedback of the regional transportation SWOT survey, including a
discussion of highlights from each state’s long range transportation
plan as well as status and relevance of the current TIP, etc.
Following that, we expect to spend another 30 minutes in small group
discussions reviewing informative maps in order to identify and
prioritize the best opportunities that warrant regional
collaboration and advocacy. RI Statewide Planning has generously
offered to prepare four large ortho maps of the 24-town region
depicting information such as major roadways, passenger and freight
rail lines, existing transit routes, transit stops, regional bus
stations, airports, bike paths, major activity centers, preserved
open space, and the extent possible, the existence of water and
sewer infrastructure.
We will collect and synthesize the resulting
feedback and discussion recommendations to become the basis for
proposed Blackstone Valley Partnership positions and advocacy going
forward.
As an aside, I represent Rhode Island on the
Steering Committee for the above-mentioned New England Rail
Coalition (NERC). NERC is leading the charge to mobilize a larger
regional effort to position New England for new federal investments
in high speed and intercity passenger rail as well as for overall
enhancements to both commuter and freight rail service and capacity.
If your organization is not yet a member of the coalition, I would
encourage you to open the document entitled “NERC Mission
Principles” sign the bottom portion form and return to me by fax at
401.228.6594.
Thank you and I look forward to moving this agenda
forward in a meaningful way on the 21st.
John Flaherty
