Could you see the light at the end of this tunnel?  

Posted by Mr. Ellsworth Toohey

Connect Underutilized Networks of Transportation seems to have hit a snag.

From the Phoenix:

"The initial idea was to connect underutilized networks of transportation, reviewing railroad right-of-ways and lines currently active for freight," Cassidy said. "Through a series of meetings with government, planning and practitioners it was determined there was little interest by any existing group to take the lead in this kind of rail project."

We have just about run out of time and patients for this and other rail transportation projects. We have continued to spin our wheels and allowed politicians to wave token gestures of funding at us and yet ignore the real funding problems. Did anyone think that $180 million was going to magically (and privately) come into Phoenixville to quench our thirst for public transportation. Instead we have to wait for H-Burg or Washington to diddle themselves long enough to get $1 billion up for the project. This is really sad.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Tuesday, December 02, 2008 . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

6 comments

Anonymous  

What happened to the private funding for this next study? Originally, we were told that tax money would not be necessary (not that I believed it, but it was said). Once again, these same people are back at the public trough.

If Obama is serious about infrastructure/public transportation grants for January/February, wouldn't it be more productive to lobby Rendell et al in Philadephia today and/or find out what was said today about the chances for future funding?

I'd love to be able to take light rail from Phoenixville to Philadelphia and see the R6 extended as it was in the past, but what are the real chances in this economy and what does Obama have planned?

However, free food is always nice.

December 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Anonymous  

There are plenty of 'patients' in the hospital if you are running out of 'patience'. I hate to be critical but since you are so good at it.....

December 3, 2008 at 7:01 AM

The idea for bypassing public funding originally was that it would take too long to do so. As it is, with the current financial climate, securing $180M for a feasibility study from private donors isn't going to happen. So instead of letting the idea die, its been promoted that alternative revenue sources be explored. There has been a lot of talk of another gov't bailout, this time with a large portion of the money being directed towards infrastructure projects, ala the New Deal. Should this come to pass, projects like CUNoT could stand to benefit.

Barry all along has said that he wants this to be a grassroots effort and thus wants public input and support along the way. This meeting just furthers this viewpoint.

December 3, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Anonymous  

Critical comments seem to be the specialty of many of the folks in Phoenixville. Instead of supporting the effort and voicing your ideas publicly it seems much easier to sit back and throw darts at those trying to make something happen. I find the critical eye interesting when there are no counter points to help the project progress. Do you care to share any ideas or will you just point your critical finger and wag it at others? Step up to the plate if you feel so strong.

December 3, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Anonymous  

This is no more than another project of the dummies increase cassidy's kingdom hijacking enough already dollars.

December 3, 2008 at 6:05 PM

Post a Comment