The writer of this blog was able to obtain two pieces of correspondence which readers may find interesting. First is a letter to Rowland Sharp, Susquehanna County Railroad Authority from Denise Pyers, Director, Bureau of Rail Freight, Harrisburg. Sharp, as you may remember, was the chairman of that Authority until last year.
The letter, reproduced here is a request for an annual carloading report to be delivered on or before April 15. This seems as if it is a reasonable request if you don’t know anything about the history of this matter.
There are a couple of problems with this request. The Bureau of Rail Freight was completely aware of the fact that there was no project where the SCRA obtained any funding from that agency. In fact, if there had been a project … Instead of all that, please read the response that Sharp, now a private citizen drafted to Ms. Pyers.
sharp-letter-to-pyers-at-railfreight-2-2-2009-pdf.pdf
So, in the end, the Authority still has $50.38 in their treasury. They still have good members with good ideas. They still have the plans for a project which actually makes more sense today than it did originally.
But………
They are still dealing with:
A do nothing Susquehanna County economic development board whose members tend to hang on every word issued by the Central Bradford Progress Authority. Don’t believe it? Attend a meeting for yourself. 4th Thursday, 10am, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose.
The Central Bradford Progress Authority is the funded economic development arm of Susquehanna County who talks alot, but also does absolutely nothing.
Let’s not forget our very own arrogant, non-supportive, condescending county commissioners who won’t even help this Authority with minimal funds to operate, never mind support a project which would help the residents of this county in so many ways.
And finally, the Commonwealth’s own Bureau of Rail Freight, who doesn’t even remember they told the Authority they didn’t have a project, but still require reports. Is this bureaucracy at its best or what?
To steal a few words from ABC News’ John Stossel - “Give Me A Break”.
Your turn.