The Authority met March 14th. There were two new members just appointed by the new commissioners. Don Button, New Milford and Dave Darrow from Franklin Township took their place at the table. An overview of the past of the Rail Committee and the Railroad Authority was given to the new members and those in attendance.
Secretary/Treasurer Tom Wooden indicated the finances of the Authority total about $50.00. Actually, the financial picture is significantly worse as the last commissioners didn’t see fit to help fund the ongoing expenses of the Authority, 5 of the 7 members had to pony up $206 each last August to pay for Directors and Officers Insurance. The other two members, Paul J. Amadio and Janet Haulton refused to contribute to the bill, so it was divided between 5 rather than 7.
Quite a slap in the face to the members of the Authority, who serve without any compensation and who we able to secure a $15,000 and $25,000 engineering grant along with a $4,000,000 capital budget line item.
Both Commissioners Warren and Allen were in attendance. Although both are very aware of the situation, no offer of help was forthcoming. Instead, Commissioner Warren suggested another meeting with PennDot Rail Freight as soon as possible. A tentative date of April 11 was chosen as it is the regular meeting date of the Authority. Commissioner Warren indicated that PennDot would be receptive to a new application to use a portion of the $4,000,000 capital budget item for a second try to create a transload facility in the New Milford area.
One member stated that it was good that there is a positive attitude from the Harrisburg crowd, but without the commissioners agreeing to guarantee the local match portion of the grant, the Authority would be no further ahead then they were before. No offer of a guarantee was made by either commissioner at todays meeting. Another member asked whether or not the land, targeted for the project was still available.
It seems that no matter how hard the Authority members work to make the transload project work, it still requires the cooperation of the commissioners. So, while a meeting with the PennDot officials is a positive move, the commissioners need to step up to the plate very shortly if there is any hope of this project eventually succeeding.
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