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Preview: Bi-State Intercity Passenger Rail Study Meetings

By Lucas Willard

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-996121.mp3

Pittsfield, MA – The Phase 1 Evaluation completed by the Bi-State Intercity Passenger Rail Study of potential new rail that would connect North-Bennington Vermont to Albany is complete. In total, 5 alternative railway routes, including new rail, track replacement and repair, and station repair and construction have been chosen by the Study. The details are going to be discussed at two locations, on December 13th and 14th. Costa Pappis from VTrans explains the purpose of the meetings.
The meetings will discuss details of the plans - with focuses on environmental impact, cost, rail access and accessibility, and transportation efficiency. Anthony Ruddman of the Empire State Passenger's Association offers advice to anyone wishing to attend the meetings.
Advocates for new rail projects are concerned with the current state of travel between Vermont and New York. They say a new system will not only help move people, but will also spur the economies of both states and create better access to information. Joann Erenhouse of the Bennington Chamber of Commerce is a strong proponent for a new system. She wants people to discuss the new options for rail and begin to be prepared for a change in how they travel and do business in the area.
Meetings will be held on Tuesday December 13th at the Bennington Fire Station, and Wednesday December 14th, at the Mechanicville Senior Citizen Center. Stakeholders meetings will be held after the public meetings.
The full study is due to be completed in 2012.