Resolution on Sunset Limited Service

Published May 27th, 2010 in Publications.

A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTHWEST RAIL CORRIDOR COALITION SUPPORTING  THE EXPANSION OF CURRENT AMTRAK SUNSET LIMITED SERVICE TO DAILY SERVICE, AND IMPROVING THE SUNSET LIMITED LINE AS PART OF THE INTERCITY RAIL NETWORK.

WHEREAS, the economic, environmental and recreational benefits of rail travel have been well established; and

WHEREAS, passenger rail provides a fuel-efficient transportation alternative thereby establishing cleaner transportation options and helping to reduce our nation’s, as well as Arizona’s dependence on foreign oil; and

WHEREAS, Amtrak passenger service provides a mobility choice as part of a seamless state and regional transportation system that includes airports, highways, transit, passenger and freight rail; and

WHEREAS, Amtrak passenger service brings tourists to our state thereby boosting one of Arizona’s core economic engines and expanding Arizona’s accessibility to the rest of the nation; and

WHEREAS, connecting Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Cochise and Maricopa Counties through Amtrak service creates economic opportunities for multiple Arizona regions, and enhancing this service takes these economic opportunities to another level; and

WHEREAS, improving and expanding Amtrak passenger service in Arizona builds the foundation for a future intercity passenger rail network throughout the state that connects the major metropolitan regions and supports the development and expansion of interconnected livable communities; and

WHEREAS, the development and expansion of alternative forms of transportation are critical to the future economic vitality of our cities and towns and essential if Arizona’s communities and state intend to compete in the national and global marketplace; and

WHEREAS, the Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition (SWRC) recognizes that a national rail network is a key component of a statewide and regional multimodal transportation system and can serve to provide current and future capacity for increasingly overburdened roadways; and

WHEREAS, SWRC and the State of Arizona values its connections with freight railroad partners and supports the expansion of passenger service that works together with freight rail expansions and improvements;

THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the SWRC support the proposed Sunset Limited improvements, which increases Amtrak service from three days a week to daily service and changes Amtrak’s current arrival and departure schedule within Arizona to more convenient times of the day.

ADOPTED this 26th day of May 2010, by the Board of Directors of the Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition

[signed]
Jay Smyth, Chair
Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition

2010-05-26 Minutes

Published May 26th, 2010 in Minutes.

Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition

Board of Directors Meeting
Minutes

WEDNESDAY, May 26, 2010

3033 N. Central Ave., Suite 810
(Arizona Contractors Association, Inc. office)
Phoenix, AZ

Present

Jay Smyth (Chair)
Larry Miller
Roger Milroy
Mike Normand
Marc Pearsall
Dave Richins
Jim Dickey
Rob Bohannan
Mike Garey
Jeremy Papuga (by teleconference)
Dave Jones
David Schwartz
Tom Wolf
Shannon Scutari (arrived ~11:00 A. M.)

Absent

Don Veidt
Tom Fisher
Eric Emmert (Exec. Dir.)

Guest

Brett Jones

Call to Order

Smyth called the meeting to order at 10:10 A.M. He indicated that Shannon Scutari, ADOT would arrive later.

Chair’s Report

a. Smyth introduced new board member – Dave Richins, Sonoran Institute.

b. Smyth stated that theTucson/Pima County SWRC board representative will be shared by Tom Fisher, City of Tucson and Jeremy Papuga, PAG.

c. Smyth reported that Shannon Scutari, ADOT, will serve on the SWRC board. Mike Normand, ADOT, will continue to serve on the board.

d. Smyth reported that the States for Passenger Rail Coalition will hold a meeting in the Phoenix area, 6/22-23/2010, at the Tempe Transportation Center.

It was moved and second that the SWRC offer to host a cocktail hour for S4PRC meeting attendees. After some discussion, the motion was adopted. Smyth will contact Dave Ewing, S4PRC with the offer. Jim Dickey, Larry Miller and Dave Jones volunteered to be the committee for this function.

e. Smyth reported there will be a Federal (DOT, EPA, HUD) Regional Sustainability Summit held in Phoenix June 8, 2010. The meeting is by invitation only. Smyth will represent SWRC.

f. Dave Richins reported on the activities of the Transportation and Livable Communities Coalition. SWRC is a member of this coalition.

Executive Director’s Report

Due to Emmert’s absence there was no report.

Other Reports

ADOT – Scutari reported that the consultant contract for the Phoenix-Tucson intercity passenger rail Alternative Analysis and NEPA Environmental study is going through the ADOT procurement process.

Scutari also reported that ADOT is having on-going discussions with Amtrak relative to the return of Amtrak to Phoenix. In support of this effort, Scutari provided a formal resolution for the SWRC board to consider. It was moved and seconded that the SWRC board adopt the resolution to support the expansion of current Amtrak Sunset Limited service. After some discussion the motion was adopted.

Scutari reported that the State Rail Plan is being developed and will be available by July 1, 2010.

MAG – Pearsall reported that the MAG Commuter Rail Study is complete and is going through the MAG approval process.

PAG – Papuga updated the board on the Tucson Modern Street Car project.

Unfinished Business – None

New Business

The board discussed the how to finalize and approve the Next Steps (Strategies) for SWRC. A committee (Garey, Chair, Richins, Miller, and Milroy) was appointed by Smyth to review the next steps list, recommend items to carry forward with implementation plans. The committee is to report at the next board meeting.

Future Meetings

Coalition (Full Team) Meeting – Fall 2010 (?)

Board Meeting – June 22nd, location and time TBD

Prepared by

Jay Smyth, Chair

SWRC Coalition

2010-03-23 Meeting Minutes

Published March 23rd, 2010 in Minutes.

Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition

Team Meeting

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Minutes
3030 N. Central Conference Room

Present

Jay Smyth (Chair)
David Jones
Roger Milroy
David Schwartz
Tom Wolf
Eric Emmert (Executive Director)

Absent

Jim Dickey
Mike Garey
Mike Normand
Tucson Rep.
Don Veidt
Rob Bohannan
Larry Miller
Kevin Wallace

Guest

Don Keuth

1) Call to Order

Smyth called the meeting to order at 10:14 A.M. Introduced Don Keuth, Phoenix Community Alliance.

2) Chairman’s Report

A. Smyth shared information on the Solar Bullet Train.

B. Smyth reported that Dave Richins would welcome the opportunity to join the board. However, the City of Mesa has a standing city council meeting on Thursdays. In addition, a Tucson representative is needed. Any ideas should be forwarded to Jay. A teleconference was suggested and the Arizona Contractors Association graciously offered use of their conference

C. Smyth reported that the results on the e-mail ballot on the motion “to pay Dorn Policy Group $5000 for services passed 8-0. Dorn Policy will be paid $417 per month for 2010

3) Executive Director’s Report

A. Emmert reported that letters were sent to current coalition members that have not made a financial investment and a letter was sent to potential members.

B. Emmert reported that he is working on the 501(c)(3).

4) Other Reports

A. Smyth reported that the RFP for the ADOT intercity rail alternatives analysis study is out.

B. A State Rail Plan public meeting will be held on Friday, March 25 in Queen Creek.

B. Smyth reported that Kevin Wallace will bring the Commuter Rail Study to the MAG Transportation Council on April 8 at 1:30 P.M.

5) Unfinished Business

None

6) New Business

Smyth shared the Next Steps document. There was discussion about what next steps are necessary and if anything needs to be added. It was suggested the SWRC support the MAG Commuter Rail System Plan Near Term Implementation Steps. It was also suggested that the group seek local government resolutions and a database of supporters.

With no other discussion, the meeting adjourned at 11:26 A.M.

Recorded by,

Eric W. Emmert

High Speed Rail Reports

Published June 21st, 2009 in Uncategorized.

March and June 2009 Federal reports

  1. GAO Report – High Speed Passenger Rail (PDF)
  2. FRA High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Program Notice of funding availability, Application Guidelines (PDF)

Minutes, Board Meeting 2009-01-22

Published February 17th, 2009 in Minutes.

Southwest Rail Corridor CoalitionBoard of Directors Meeting

Present

Jay Smyth (Chair)
Don Veidt
Roger MilroyRob Bohannan
Mark Hoffman (ADOT)
Rob Bohannan
Eric Emmert (Executive Director)

Absent

David Schwartz
Mike Garey
Andrew Singelakis
Jim Dickey

  1. Call to OrderSmyth called the meeting to order at 10:14 A.M.
  2. Chairman’s Report
    1. Smyth handed out the AzTA Rail Symposium agenda and registration form.
    2. Smyth reported that ADOT has the matching funds for the Phoenix-Tucson Passenger Rail EIS. Hoffman confirmed that the State Transportation Board approved the $1 million match.
    3. Smyth shared that an “agreement” exists between Eloy, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Pinal County and Union Pacific noting commuter rail.
    4. Smyth reported that AzOne will be making a presentation at a future Coalition meeting.
    5. There was discussion about an SWRC sponsored rail conference. It was suggested waiting until after the AzTA conference. Agenda ideas were discussed.
    6. Smyth reported that AzTA received an APTA grant to organize a statewide transit coalition. Smyth has requested additional information.
    7. Smyth is participating on ADOT’s Rail Technical Advisory Team.
    8. Smyth shared that Teri Kennedy would represent ADOT on the SWRC Board. Mark Hoffman will be the alternate representative.
    9. Smyth reported that the MAG Commuter Rail Study will be expanded to a system evaluation plus detail studies on the Grand Ave. (BNSF) corridor and the Phoenix – Buckeye (UP) corridor
    10. Smyth reported on a One Rail Coalition forming at the national level.
  3. Executive Director’s Report
    1. Smyth shared a budget. Emmert reported on income and expenses. Smyth reported on Gannett Flemming and Valley Metro pending memberships. Bohannan moved to pay Dorn Policy Group $2,400, Veidt seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
    2. Emmert reported that letters were sent to current coalition members that have not made a financial investment and a letter was sent to potential members.
    3. Emmert reported the new members
    4. Emmert reported that he is working on the 501(c)(3).
    5. Emmert reported on legislative and executive items.
    6. Emmert reported on the stimulus package.
  4. Action Items
    1. Smyth reported on regular meetings with MPOs and COGs. MAG agreed to quarterly meetings. A coordinated meeting was suggested.
    2. Smyth reported that ADOT did not do a peer review analysis for the Phoenix – Tucson passenger rail studies. MAG did complete a peer review analysis for the Commuter Rail Strategic Plan. This information is available at bqaz.org.
    3. Veidt shared a letter he drafted for the board to review. Edits were noted. Letterhead will include organizations, not individual names.
  5. Committee ReportsNone
  6. Unfinished BusinessNone
  7. New Business/Discussion
    1. Smyth reported that the SWRC took the position of opposing the proposed transit fare increase.
    2. Smyth circulated a position statement on the Phoenix/Tucson Passenger Rail route. The statement is to be discussed further at a future meeting.
  8. Future MeetingsThere was consensus not to have a full coalition meeting in February. Next steps will be the focus of the next board meeting on February 26th, 2009.

With no other discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12:34

Recorded by,

Eric W. Emmert

Minutes, 2008-09-25

Published October 5th, 2008 in Minutes.

Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition

Meeting

Minutes

Thursday, September 25, 2008

First Floor Conference Room

3030 N. Central Ave

Phoenix, AZ

Members Present

Jay Smyth (Chair)
Eric Emmert (Executive Director)
Gene Caywood – Old Pueblo Trolley
Tony Haswell – Old Pueblo Trolley
Roger Milroy – Gannett Fleming
Rob Bohannan – ARPA
Richard Dorwart – Stantec
Bill Lindley – ARPA
Gene Holmerud – Coalition of AZ Bicyclists
Matt Carpenter – ADOT
Rob Ribmaster – HDR
Kevin Wallace – MAG
Scott Friedson – ADOT

  1. Call to Order

    Smyth called the meeting to order at 10:08 A.M.

  2. Introductions

    Members of the Coalition introduced themselves.

  3. Chair’s Report

    Smyth reported that the 2009 AzTA Rail Symposium will be held on February 26, 1-5 PM. SWRC will work with AzTA on the Symposium.

    Smyth reported that ADOT would like SWRC’s assistance in obtaining Federal Designated Passenger Rail Corridors in Arizona. Smyth’s research indicates that the States for Passenger Rail Coalition (ADOT is a member) and the Passenger Rail Working Group are the lead in obtaining corridors. Further action in this area will be evaluated by the board of directors.

    Smyth reported that the he will be giving a presentation on Heavy Passenger(Commuter and Inter-City) Rail and the SWRC to the Governor’s Rural and Regional Development Conference today.

  4. Executive Director’s ReportSince Emmert was not present at this time Smyth discussed the need for more members in the coalition and the need for funding. Several members indicated that they would be sending in their investments soon.
  5. Committee ReportsDue to the absence of the committee chairs, there were no reports.
  6. Other ReportsMatt Carpenter, ADOT, provided copies of the Executive Summary of the draft High-Speed Passenger Rail Strategic Plan, Phase II. He them discussed the highlights of the report. He requested that SWRC review the report and provide input to ADOT. After the meeting Carpenter provided the complete draft report to be shared with the coalition. Smyth will compile SWRC member’s comments and send them to ADOT.

    Kevin Wallace, MAG reported on the status of the Commuter Rail Strategic Plan. MAG will be issuing a consultant contract to study commuter rail on the Grand Ave. corridor from Wickenburg to downtown Phoenix. The effort is to start in October.

  7. Unfinished Business – none
  8. New Business

    Emmert reported that TIME has not developed it next steps. They will wait until after the November elections to develop a strategy. They are looking at an initiative/referendum in 2010.

    Those present discussed SWRC next steps and develop several ideas to be evaluated. It was agreed that the board of directors would work on this over the next few months and report back to the coalition in early 2009.

    The board will also look into the Federal Designated Passenger Rail Corridors and the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act to determine what we can do in this area.

  9. Future Meetings

    Coalition (Full Team) Meeting – January TBD, 2009
    Board Meeting – October 16, 2008

With no other business the Coalition adjourned at 11:50 A.M.

Coalition Meeting 2008-09-25

Published September 19th, 2008 in Uncategorized.

Thursday, September 25, 2008
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
Contact Diane Beer, (602) 606-4667, for location

AGENDA

Statewide Transportation Investment Strategy

  • TIME’s next steps

  • SWRC next steps

Federal Re-authorization/Designated Corridors

Committee Reports/Discussion

  • Public Relations/Out Reach Committee

  • Membership/Financial Support Committee

    • Discussion

Reports

  • MAG Commuter Rail Strategic Plan, current action

  • High-Speed Passenger Rail Strategic Plan Report (Tucson – Phoenix)

  • Tempe – Tucson Discussion on passenger rail

28 August (was: 31 July) 2008 Meeting

Published July 3rd, 2008 in Events.

The next SWRC Coalition (full team) meeting will be on August 28th (NOTE CHANGE) July 31st, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon.
Agenda:

  • Status of T.I.M.E Initiative effort
  • Committee Reports/Discussion
    • Collateral Material Committee
    • Public Relations/Out Reach Committee
    • Membership/Financial Support Committee
  • Other Reports
    • MAG Commuter Rail Strategic Plan, current action
    • High-Speed Passenger Rail Strategic Plan Report
    • State Wide Transportation Investment Strategy, latest version

ADOT and TIME Documents, 2008

Published June 19th, 2008 in Publications.

Full Coalition Meeting, 26 June 2008

Published June 1st, 2008 in Minutes.

Meeting Scheduled. Contact Jay Smyth or Diane Beer for details.

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