MINUTES

 

                 MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

                                              36^TH ANNUAL MEETING

 KALAMAZOO PUBLIC LIBRARY, KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN

                                        September 12, 2009

 

Those Signing In:  Hugh Gurney, John DeLora, Jim Hinkins, Dave Randall, John Langdon, Jesse Auerbach, Christopher A. Quail, Lawrence Krieg, Tim Fischer, Bob Tischbein, Don Monteith, David L. Redmond, Timothy J. Hook, Joe Moran, Jim Hastings, Thomas Post, Barney Whittier, Clark Charnetski, Steve T. Sobel, Rich Vavra-Musser, Burt Ten Brink, Cheryl Ten Brink, Dick Pekarek, Ron Leatz, Philip Chamberlain, Michael Frezell, Andrew Kent, Robert Patterson, Jan C. Gromoda, David Common, J. P. DesCamp

 

Also Present:  Tim Hoeffner, Phillip Mange, Victor F. Borz, Jon Start, Lisa Dedden Cooper, Mark Tomlonson

 

Call to Order: Vice Chair Don Monteith called the meeting to order at 11:10 a.m.

 

Guest Speaker:  Mark Tomlonson, a professor at Western Michigan University, spoke on “The Roots of Railroading in Michigan”.  It all began in March, 1837, when the state legislature passed a massive internal improvements program designed to end the isolation of many Michigan communities.  Three cross state railroads were to be built, a southern route from Monroe to New Buffalo, a central route from Detroit to St. Joseph and a northern route from Port Huron to Muskegon.  These were water to water routes, with no thought of a railroad network.  By the summer of 1837, recession had hit the country and money for these projects dried up.  The southern route got as far west as Hillsdale, the central route reached Marshall and the northern route was never started.  By 1843, the central route was in the hands of New York financiers, had been renamed the Michigan Central and had reached Kalamazoo.  Instead of continuing west to St. Joseph, the owners decided it would be more lucrative to head for Chicago, so construction turned south to Niles, west to New Buffalo and on to Chicago, where it could capture traffic to and from the Mississippi basin.  The southern route, renamed the Michigan Southern, was forced to dip into Indiana, but eventually reached Chicago.  The northern route, named the Detroit and Milwaukee, fell under the control of the Grand Trunk Western of Canada.  Federal land grants in the 1850’s stimulated further growth, including a line from Negaunee to Marquette.

 

The Civil War demonstrated the value of railroads for carrying large amounts of material and rail networks began to emerge.  After the Civil War, railroad construction boomed.  Around the turn of the 20^th Century, the Michigan Central was straightened and double tracked, with updated stations in many communities.

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Welcome:  Chairman John DeLora assumed the gavel at 11:55 a.m., thanked Professor Tomlonson for his presentation, and welcomed the group to Kalamazoo.

 

A New Vision for Passenger Trains:  Lisa Dedden Cooper, from Representative Mark Schauer’s office, spoke on behalf of the Congressman.   Schauer believes that passenger rail can be an effective tool for economic development, creating a much more mobile work force.  In support of the I-94 high speed rail corridor, Schauer has urged support from Obama, Biden and Emanuel and has prompted the governor to be more aggressive.  Fortunately, the Midwest governors have developed a coordinated plan and got their requests for support in to the Federal Rail Administration by the deadline.  On the down side, Minnesota Representative Oberstar, chair of the committee handling rail development, has warned that Michigan must maintain its commitment to Amtrak if the state expects federal funding.  Cooper urged MARP members to push for full funding of Amtrak for the 2010 fiscal year.  A very little money appropriated by the legislature could result in much, much more in the way of federal support.

 

Cooper noted that Oberstar’s committee is well along on a transportation reauthorization bill which would put support of rail in a stronger position.  This bill may be approved by the House of Representatives this year, but probably not the Senate. 

 

Schauer hopes to set up a rail advisory commission for the Chicago-Detroit high speed rail vision, with representatives from all the I-94 communities, the railroad companies, MARP and other interests.  He wants to feed information to the members of this commission and get their reaction to each proposal.

 

Schauer is doing what he can to persuade the Michigan legislature to support Amtrak.  However, Republican members of the state Senate need to hear from citizens.  Schauer  and Cooper are working with a bipartisan support group in Jackson to extend commuter service to that city.  Schauer has a good working relationship with Congressman Fred Upton, who represents the western sector of the I-94 corridor. 

 

Another of Schauer’s concerns is freight rail and he is working with counterparts in Indiana on freight interests.

 

High Speed Rail Coming to a Station Near You?  After a break for lunch, MDOT Director of High Speed Rail Tim Hoeffner was introduced.  This is a new position for Hoeffner, who now oversees a group charged with working with Amtrak and implementing the high speed rail plan.  Like Cooper, Hoeffner emphasized the need to get the message to state legislators that the $3.7 million Amtrak subsidy proposed by the state Senate will negatively impact federal support for high speed rail in Michigan.  The governor now understands this and is working with members of the legislature.  But MARP support is needed.

 

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It is a real coup for ARRA funding that the Midwest governors signed a memorandum of understanding and are collaborating closely.  Hoeffner is Michigan’s

representative on the leadership group including all Midwest DOT’s.  Next week, the group is scheduled to meet with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Congressman Schauer has been extremely helpful in getting direction from Chairman Oberstar.

 

Hoeffner’s office worked long and hard to assure that applications totaling $830 million were submitted by the August 24 deadline.  On that date, the governor participated in several press conferences.  The station in Jackson was packed when the governor’s train arrived from Dearborn.  Hoeffner was very pleased that later in the day, the governor came to the MDOT office and personally thanked the staff that had worked on the applications.

 

The applications ask for improving of the long discussed junction at West Detroit, numerous sidings for passenger trains to pass freights, and extensive track stabilization work to bring speeds up to 79 m.p.h. throughout.  Frequencies would be doubled on all routes.  A number of stations would be upgraded.

 

What projects will need full blown Environmental Impact Statements remains a question.  The Porter-Chicago segment will definitely need an EIS.  For most Michigan projects, MDOT is saying that they are not needed, though FRA has some questions.  FRA has very little experience with multi- billion projects and when EIS’s are needed.  MDOT will continue to discuss this issue with federal legislators and the Secretary’s office.

 

The recommendations of last year’s Transportation Task Force are still in play.  If enacted, additional moneys from those recommendations would fund additional frequencies. 

 

Implementation of South of the Lake proposals would utilize a phased approach.  A variety of rights of way would be used and several new bridges would be required.  The concept is to handle additional frequencies. 

 

In response to a question from Robert Patterson, Hoeffner explained the freight issue with Indiana is in the Hillsdale area, where a Michigan owned rail line connects with an Indiana owned line that needs upgrading.  As to the Kalamazoo-Ypsilanti line, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak and MDOT continue to discuss future ownership that doesn’t burden Norfolk Southern but meets passenger rail needs. 

 

Hoeffner does not favor a reroute of the Pere Marquette via Kalamazoo at this time.  This was the route originally favored by Westrain which is why it was put in the Midwest Regional Rail Plan.

 

The original South of the Lake proposal done by Amtrak some fifteen years ago is problematic.  After the flak over CN’s acquisition of the EJ&E, use of abandoned rights of way as that concept proposed is highly unlikely.

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In response to a question from Chase, Hoeffner explained why MDOT now calls the Chicago-Detroit high speed line the I-94 corridor.  MDOT has now designated eleven twenty mile wide transportation corridors throughout the state.  All transportation projects, not just highways, within that corridor, are considered as a whole.  If additional capacity is needed in a corridor, highway, freight rail or passenger rail will be considered.  Referring to the Detroit-Chicago route as the I-94 corridor is more descriptive to more people than trying to explain Amtrak’s Wolverine route.

 

Judging from the fact that MDOT projects are still coming in under estimate indicates that the stimulus has not taken hold yet.  Contractors are still very hungry. 

 

In response to a question from Langdon about the status of the Transportation Task Force, Hoeffner admitted that neither the proposed registration fee increase or taxing fuel as a percentage of the wholesale price rather than per gallon have been introduced in the state legislature at this time.  The tax on aviation fuel is still three cents a gallon.

 

As to the Interstate Traveler proposal, Hoeffner stated that we do need dreamers to push the envelope.  However, he works in the real world.

 

Operation Lifesaver is a very significant player in the high speed rail scenario and we need to work with them as much as possible.

 

As to manufacturing rail equipment in Michigan, Hoeffner indicated that Michigan is focusing on obtaining major overhaul facilities with the idea that overhaul of equipment is ongoing forever.  He is working with the Michigan Economic Growth Commission on this idea.

 

In the late 1990’s, MDOT explored a variety of rolling stock options and determined that the Talgo platform would be best.  Michigan railroads have a lot of curves and require tilt equipment.

 

Also in the 1990’s, Amtrak explored the concept of a Midwest-Florida auto train.  This is a very complicated procedure.  Niles could be the northern terminus.

 

In response to a question from Randall, Hoeffner indicated that Amtrak would probably be the operator of the high speed rail trains.  Considering all the options, they would be best equipped.

 

In response to a question from Robert Patterson, Hoeffner confirmed that MDOT pays to the full cost for state funded trains all the way into Chicago.  There is no assistance from Indiana or Illinois. As to increasing train speeds in the near future, Hoeffner affirmed that the system is now in place from Kalamazoo to Niles.  However, it must be 99.9% safe, which is what they are working on now.  Amtrak will extend the upgraded system, Niles-Porter under ARRA funds it has received.

 

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Hoeffner explained that dispatchers employed by a freight railroad must follow the dictates of their supervisor, which is why they often give preference to a freight train.

 

The October, 2010 timeline for the Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail line looks good.  It is being funded under the New Starts program, though some work will be funded by ARRA.  MDOT is reviewing and amending equipment contracts at this time.

 

A Strategy for Implementing a Comprehensive Intercity Passenger Rail Vision  Tim Fischer, Deputy Policy Director for the Michigan Environmental Council discussed why MARP and the environmental community must work together.  Thirty percent of greenhouse gases are generated by transportation, mostly by private automobiles.  MEC has launched an educational campaign to help environmentalists understand how critical transportation issues are.  We need to come up with a way that bringing about a desirable drop in VMT does not negatively impact transportation revenue.

 

The type of transportation selected drives land use.  Auto transportation leads to strip malls, McDonald’s and that type of development.  Public transportation leads to a more concentrated type of development.

 

We need options for getting around other than the private automobile so we can better deal with spikes in gasoline prices.

 

Fischer indicated that he believed that the MARP Vision developed two years ago can serve as a vision to take to the environmental community.  It is a vision that calls for development along existing rail lines. 

 

A very positive step in expanding this vision was taken in April in New Buffalo, when MARP was able to persuade the Indiana groups to support MARP’s efforts to better connect Michigan with Chicago and Chicago with Michigan.  State Senator Jason Allen,

A Republican from Traverse City, wrote a very persuasive memo to the Republican governor of Indiana asking him to apply for ARRA funding for improvements in northwest Indiana.  Indiana has made the necessary applications.

 

MARP, MEC and other groups must now support Michigan’s applications for high speed rail.  We must drum up support among business groups to also advocate high speed rail.

Press releases should highlight benefits, indicate who is involved and draw more people into the fold.  We must also reach out to the anti-Amtrak people, demonstrating the benefits of intercity rail and explaining that all forms of transportation including the airlines and highways are subsidized by the public. 

 

A discussion followed concerning the level of service at New Buffalo.  Under the current proposal, only two trains each way will stop there.  It would be ideal if the Pere Marquette could switch to the Amtrak line north of New Buffalo and also serve that community.

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Chase reminded those present that we must continue to contact legislators for support.  She stressed that we should be talking about funding intercity rail.  Amtrak is just the contractor.

 

In response to a question concerning rural rail crossings, DeLora explained that MDOT is working on new types of barriers.

 

Robert Patterson urged that we focus on Michigan as a tourist destination and push to strengthen passenger rail links from the south and west into West Michigan and between Southeast Michigan and West Michigan.

 

Fischer agreed and stated that we need to use the MARP Vision more vigorously.  It does advocate passenger rail as far north as Traverse City and Petoskey.  The state Senate’s action on intercity rail is a result of senators not really understanding the issue and simply following party leadership.  Senator Jason Allen of Traverse City has proposed an intercity rail caucus similar to that in Illinois to help legislators understand intercity passenger rail.  MEC is willing to help.  If legislators are better informed, it would lessen the angst about annual appropriations so that all can focus on the bigger picture. 

 

Jesse Auerbach passed out a list of high speed projects applied for to date.  He stressed how helpful the April New Buffalo meeting had been.  At a subsequent meeting in Fort Wayne, the Indiana Environmental Council was involved.

 

Chairman’s Annual Report:  DeLora stressed how important a FRA workshop in Chicago had been in letting all know what the FRA was looking for in the way of rail projects.  They definitely want to see a strong state commitment.  That is why it is so important to get Republicans in the state legislature on board.  If Michigan reduces its support for passenger rail, it could cost the state 10,000 jobs and as much as $830 million in rail projects.

 

All Michigan trains kept running throughout FY 2009 despite an earlier cut in funding.  A supplemental made up the difference. 

 

MARP now has an excellent working relation with Indian Trails and this is helping in countless ways.

 

During the past year, DeLora has had five one on one meetings with the governor to discuss passenger rail.

 

In 2009, National Train Day events were held in many Michigan communities.  For 2010, we would like to have celebrations at every Amtrak station. 

 

In 2010, the National Association of Railroad Passengers fall meeting will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. MARP is planning a large reception with business leaders, students and other constituencies invited.

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Yesterday, DeLora attended the unveiling a life size bronze sculpture of three cheetas east of the train station in Dowagiac adjacent to the tracks where they can be seen by passengers as the train passes.   There is strong support for Amtrak in that community.

 

Dietrich Bergmann has been tracking the Detroit River International Crossing proposal.  His findings indicate that crossings have been declining and that, even in a 35 year projection, the current structures are adequate.  Congestion is caused by inadequate staffing at Customs and Immigration.  Bergmann has asked that Environmental Impact Statements be required and completed for the project.

 

Once again, DeLora emphasized the need to engage the GOP in support of passenger rail.  We must work with chambers of commerce and similar groups to help them realize that rail is good for business. 

 

MARP Business Meeting:  Convening the business meeting, DeLora proposed more cooperation between MARP and NARP in soliciting members.  Charnetski moved that MARP share its membership list with NARP on an ongoing basis in exchange for NARP sharing its Michigan membership list with MARP.  Robert Patterson seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

 

Charnetski reported that the next meeting will take place in Ann Arbor, convening at 10:00 a.m. at the Amtrak station and moving across the street to Casey’s Tavern at 11:00 a.m.  The speaker will be Michael Benham    , Commuter Rail Coordinator for the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority. 

 

For National Train Day 2010, Charnetski is working on a display of WALLY and Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail equipment at the former Art Train siding near the depot in Ann Arbor.

 

Frezell mentioned a recent Lansing Economic Council survey which reported that a MSU student from the Northeast reported she would like to be in a community where she could get around without a car.  He suggested we work more closely with economic development groups and begin targeting younger constituencies.

 

DeLora presented J. R. Valderas with a Distinguished Achievement Award for his outstanding achievement in writing and photography.  Valderas thanked the group for this show of support.  He urged that we try to make our meetings more interesting to a wider group of people.  We seem to get too bogged down in politics.  Valderas also urged that MARP members refrain from advising Amtrak employees on how they should do their jobs.  We need to show more respect to the railroad employees and not interfere with their work.  This is particularly galling to minority employees.

 

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Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted:                                      Accepted:

 

 

 

 

Hugh D. Gurney                                                           John DeLora

Secretary                                                                      Chair

 

MINUTES

 

                           MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

                                                Monthly Membership Meeting

                              Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Office, Holland

                                                          August 22, 2009

 

Those Signing In:  Steve T. Sobel, Clark Charnetski, Hugh Gurney, Kay Chase, Bob Tischbein, Ron Leatz, Jim Wallington, Archie Lhamon, Don Monteith, Rich Vavra-Musser, Larry Sobczak, June Troost, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, Jim Hinkins, J. R. Valderas, John D. Langdon, John DeLora, David Williams, Dave Randall

 

Also Present:  Steve Bulthuis, Ed Hekman

 

Call to Order:  Secretary Gurney called the meeting to order at 10:48 a.m.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Randall reported that, as of July 31, 2009, there was a total of $4,651.77 in the checking account and the Pratt Fund was valued at $11,882.20.  Two more issues of the newsletter must be paid for before the end of the year.  A membership renewal reminder will be mailed shortly to those who have not yet renewed for 2009.

Langdon moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report.  This was seconded by Vavra-Musser and approved by the membership present.

 

Randall passed out an article titled Maine’s Marvelous Trains.  He emphasized that this is what we want in Michigan – WiFi, on time operation, friendly service.

 

Guest Speaker:  Following introductions by all present, Chairman DeLora took the gavel and introduced Steve Bulthuis, Director of the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.  Bulthuis passed out a briefing paper discussing what a metropolitan planning organization does.   The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council is the metropolitan planning organization for the Holland area and attempts to coordinate surface transportation planning in order that the various governments in the area can be eligible for federal funds.   Membership includes nine local units of government, two counties and their road commissions, the transit authority and MDOT.  The group develops and keeps current a 4-5 year transportation improvement plan and a long range transportation plan which looks ahead 35 years. 

 

One of the strengths of the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council is its five member executive committee representing local non governmental organizations.  This group has been extremely influential in supporting Amtrak’s Pere Marquette over the years and in helping to create Westrain, a collaboration of private, institutional and governmental

 

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entities functioning as an advocacy group for the train.  Westrain was organized in 1994-95 to restore daily service to the Pere Marquette after state budget cuts.  It was successful in getting daily service restored in 1995. In its early years, Westrain worked to develop awareness of the existence of the train.  It is now focusing on building ridership.  To accomplish its goal, Westrain uses a variety of strategies including billboards and radio.  In order to penetrate the Chicago market effectively and build more Chicago-West Michigan ridership, the organization has resorted to the internet as the most cost effective media.  The www.mitrain  website highlights the train and the stations that it serves.  The website is still in its infancy and could include much more data.  Bulthuis urged anyone with information to channel it through John Langdon.  As Westrain is not a legal entity, state promotional funding for the Pere Marquette is managed by the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.

 

In response to questions about links, Bulthuis stated that one the most effective has been the Chicago Current Affairs link, a geographically driven face book.  Key words like “Michigan trains” will also direct one to the www.mitrain  website.  Michigan.org has also been very supportive.   While the group has worked to promote Holland State Park and local and county parks, Westrain has not yet developed a close working relationship with DNR and its multitude of resources.

 

So far, the push for a second daily Pere Marquette has fallen on deaf ears in the legislature.  The effort right now is to preserve current service.  Bulthuis  stressed that current efforts must be made by individual groups and entities as these members have differing positions.  His organization, the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, believes that passenger rail may have to take a hit in the current state budget crisis and that less than daily service would be acceptable.

 

Vavra-Musser informed Bulthuis that MARP wants to see seven day service for as long as the funding lasts, rather than settle for 3-4 days a week service. 

 

Minutes of the July 25, 2009 meeting in Owosso were reviewed.  Charnetski moved acceptance with corrections.  The motion was seconded by Vavra-Musser and approved by the membership present.

 

Key Issues:

            Save Our Trains:  DeLora reported that about twenty people turned out for the Save Our Trains rally that morning in East Lansing.  He made signboards which were very effective.  Both Channels 10/47 and 6 covered the event.  DeLora talked to Matt, the director of Save Our Trains about additional rallies, and Matt was very supportive of working together.  After considerable discussion, it was decided to attempt two rallies, one in Flint and one in Grand Rapids, on the morning of Saturday, September 12.  Members were urged to participate in one of these rallies prior to attending the Annual Meeting in Kalamazoo.

 

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            Funding Status:  Langdon reported no new information since the last meeting, with transportation funding for 2010 still to be determined by a conference committee at the state level.  The $400,000 Amtrak supplemental for 2009 has passed both the house and the senate.

 

            Amtrak Caucus: Langdon noted that Tim Fischer of MARP and the Michigan Environmental Council now supports the idea of an Amtrak Caucus in the legislature, proposed recently by Senator Jason Allen.  In order to broaden its scope, an alternate title for such a group could be the “Intercity Passenger Caucus”. 

 

Charnetski pointed out that the Wisconsin State Highway map lists intercity bus stations and urged MARP to pursue similar information on the Michigan state map.  Robert Patterson declared that such information could easily be added in the area where Lake Michigan is shown.

 

            FRA Stimulus Funding Proposals – Michigan and Indiana:  Langdon passed around sheets describing the seven Pre-Applications that MDOT has submitted.  While covering the entire Pontiac-New Buffalo Wolverine route, they are very vague.  The deadline for final applications in October 7.  Indiana has submitted pre-applications for Chicago-Indianapolis-Cincinnati, Chicago-Cleveland, and one titled “Indiana Gateway”, which proposes to uncork the freight bottlenecks between Porter and Chicago.  It appears that every state is submitting every possible proposal, so it is hard to determine what will be approved.  In response to a question from Charnetski, DeLora said that the proposals in their present form are too vague to determine whether they would cover an additional siding at Ann Arbor or not.

 

            High Speed Rail:  Langdon pointed out that the Midwest Regional High Speed Rail Plan still shows the Pere Marquette line rerouted to run Holland-Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Chicago.  DeLora stated that we must oppose an either-or situation, as he believes there will be sufficient ridership to support both the existing and the proposed routes.  The present Kalamazoo-Grand Rapids rail line is in bad shape and would have to be rebuilt to support high speed rail.. 

 

Turning to the hydrogen high speed rail proposal, Charnetski stated he believed it was more about distributing hydrogen to fuel automobiles and trucks, with the railroad an incidental.  The technology is still unproven.  Charnetski urged that we remain neutral.

 

After considerable discussion, DeLora moved that MARP send a letter of inquiry to State Representative Bill Rogers requesting detailed information about the Interstate Traveler Proposal.  The motion was seconded by Robert Patterson.  After assigning Charnetski as liaison and agreeing that the draft be distributed to the Executive Committee for review, the motion was passed.

 

 

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            Petition Drive:  Langdon informed the group that Fischer was in the process of setting up appointments with key legislators to deliver the petitions against cuts in Amtrak funding that we have gathered to date.

 

Coordinator Reports:

            Annual Meeting: Chase noted that the MARP Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 12, following the rallies in Grand Rapids and Flint.  She passed out registration forms and urged all the complete them and return them to her by the close of the meeting.  Congressman Fred Upton from St. Joseph will be given the Citizen of the Year Award for his continuing support of passenger rail and transit.  Unfortunately, he cannot be present.  DeLora will arrange for a presentation ceremony in Washington, DC.

 

Newly elected Congressman Mark Schauer has been invited, but we have not yet heard if he will be present.  Schauer is on the House Transportation Committee and has already proven to be very effective.  A railroad historian from Kalamazoo will be making a presentation.  Representatives from Indian Trails and MDOT have been invited. 

 

Chase will be alerting the media to this event.  A card will be mailed to all members urging attendance.  Chase asked that each person present attend and bring two guests.

 

            Future Meetings:  MARP will be meeting in Ann Arbor on October 10 and Bangor on November 14.  DeLora asked that December be held open for a possible meeting if necessary.

 

            Public/Government Affairs:  Langdon and Chase attended the Michigan Environmental Council’s regional meeting.  MEC has developed a list of key legislation dealing with environmental issues and is scoring individual legislators on their votes on each of these bills.  Results will be published in the next newsletter.

 

            Membership:  Randall will be sending a renewal reminder to those who have yet to renew in 2009.  Charnetski expressed hope that the commuter services coming on line will help MARP build membership.

 

            Communications:  As agreed at the last meeting, Chase sent out a news release announcing MARP’s position on proposed state cuts in Amtrak service.  She is aware that the Flint Journal picked up the story.  She asked members to alert her of other coverage.   The news release was posted on the MARP website.

 

            Newsletter:  Valderas was pleased that The Michigan Passenger  was well received by those participating in the Pere Marquette 25^th Anniversary celebration.  The newspaper remains an effective marketing tool as evidenced by people in Alma being told to use the coupon to join MARP.  The Steam Railroading Institute’s ad in the most recent issue is being treated as a donation to SRI. 

 

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Langdon complimented Valderas on his work.  He also announced that Ron Leatz is the new distributor for Niles and Dowagiac.  In response to Leatz’s question about the need

for a Quick Trak machine in Dowagiac, DeLora affirmed that Amtrak and MDOT truly appreciative of that community’s cooperation on closing grade crossings and would probably comply with such a request.  Leatz noted the absence of Amtrak signing at the station.

 

            Website:  Sobczak suggested that MARP use Twitter to involve more young people in MARP.  Chase and Vavra-Musser thought this would be helpful.  Sobczak was asked to investigate the matter further and report at the next meeting. 

 

In response to a question about why MARP’s vision statement was not posted on the website, Sobczak responded that the membership had voted not to post it after it was developed two years ago.  Wallington moved to post MARP’s Vision Statement on the MARP website after revision.  Langdon seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

           

            Outreach:  Langdon reported that 36,000 people had attended the Steam Festival in Owosso in late July. Unfortunately, Randall has noted no new members from this four day event.  Excess literature has been distributed to Amtrak stations throughout Michigan.  Langdon passed around a list of upcoming events and asked those wishing to volunteer to sign up.

 

Regional Chair Reports:

            East/Central:  No report.

            Northern:  Wallington reminded the group that Indian Trails is approaching MDOT on a proposal to serve Sault Ste. Marie.  If approved, the new service will be posted on the MARP website.

           

            Western: Langdon handed out statistics indicating that Amtrak ridership was down in June in Michigan, probably due to the drop in gas prices and the declining economy.  The Pere Marquette 25^th anniversary celebration created much interest and was covered in all the West Michigan papers.  MDOT participated in a big way with the MDOT director riding the train from Grand Rapids to Holland.  Mayors of all the cities served were present when the train pulled in to their respective communities.  According to Vavra-Musser, the mayor, a representative from Congressman Upton’s office and the local state representative were present at St. Joseph.  Valderas noted at least a dozen on the platform at New Buffalo although no observance was planned there.  Langdon added that many expressed support for a morning trains from Chicago on both the Pere Marquette and Blue Water routes.

 

            Metro:  According to Hinkins, the M-1 light rail proposal has been put on hold.  DDOT wants to use the private funding garnished for M-1 as a match for its proposed light rail system extending out Woodward Avenue to the State Fair Grounds.  TRU has found that curb operation will interfere with motor vehicles making right turns.

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Hinkins is still trying to get in touch with Preservation Wayne about the Michigan Central Depot in Detroit.  If Cobo Hall is renovated, the abandoned depot could serve as a stop a rail connection.  According to Charnetski, Amtrak still owns the platform, but not the building.

 

Indian Trails may begin serving Detroit, thus avoiding layovers in Flint.

 

The Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail proposal is still a go, with service scheduled to start in October, 2010.  However, a lot of work remains to be done, including the West Detroit crossover and layover sidings in Ann Arbor and Detroit.  The airport connector station will be in Wayne.  Ypsilanti is still debating on the location of the platform there.

In a recent discussion with a representative from Great Lakes Central, Valderas learned that G-35 freight locomotives with added generators will power the commuter trains.

 

Charnetski reported that SEMCOG would host public meetings on their long range transportation plan on September 10 at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor and on September at its headquarters in Detroit.

 

In response to a question from Vavra-Musser, Charnetski confirmed that there would be two commuter rail stations in Ann Arbor, one for the WALLY and one for the Ann Arbor-Detroit line.  Langdon suggested a field trip to the locations of the two stations when we meet in Ann Arbor in October.

 

Old Business:

            National Train Day:  Valderas is still hoping to develop an eight month planning schedule for 2010 which would allow us to approach Amtrak about having equipment on display.  He hopes to announce that schedule at the Annual Meeting. 

 

New Business:

            Route Guides:  Valderas reported that Amtrak was preparing route guides for all trains, including those serving Michigan.

 

            Winter Operations:  Langdon received an e-mail from Derrick James of Amtrak informing him that Amtrak would continue operating Superliner equipment on the Pere Marquette and begin operating Superliner equipment on the Blue Water during the winter months. 

 

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted:                                      Accepted:

 

 

Hugh D. Gurney, Secretary                                           John DeLora, Chair