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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMT Assn of RR PassengersMONTANA Association of Railroad Passengers - MARP 2110 Wingate Lane Billings, Montana 59102 Dedicated to Retaining, Improving, and Increasing Railroad Passenger service in Montana NOVEMBER 2006 ANNUAL MARP MEETING 9/9/6 We did not have a big turn out, but those that did attend left knowing a lot more about what is going on i~. the world of railroads and passenger mil sermee, not oniy in Montana but in the country. Unbeknown to us when we Setup the meeting on that day, that the Montana University football team, the Grizzlies would be holding their first home game of the season. This took away some potential attendees. First we heard from Steve B, General Manager of Motmmin Bus Line, who gave us an update on the project of having a transit route between Missoula and Darby. It is now realized that to start with the line pursued is Missoala/Lolo. Steve stated that several meetings have taken place m regard to the project and several more will be held so that all parties will be kept in the loop. Next we heard from Commissioner Carey who welcomed as to Missonia. He stated that there is a defiant need for feeder lines into Missoula and other metro centers for health, education and shopping. With the price of gasoline going up and probably will stay there needs to be something done. We then turned to the business of our Association. we had the reading by our Secretary of last years meeting minutes, which were approved as read. Then the Treasure gave us a month by month breakdown of income and expenses. No questions were asked so the report was accepted. Then we had elections with the train moving through at a fast pace with the same people in the same places. A discussion about our position of Vice President of the North ensued, k was stated that Larry Bondemd, the Mayor of Shelby indicated he might be interested. John Chase said reluctantly that if Larry did not take it he would accept. It was then agreed that the President would try to get Larry to accept and ffhe didn't he:would talk with John who lives in Great Fails. In Livingston a couple of years ago it was agreed that the Association was not getting much response fi'om WyomLng, but in order to save for;ftlture and not go to a lot of expense in: changing,,we Would retain our name as is and do a Doing Business As - Montana Association of Railroad Passengers, or MARP. We agreed this is For.king well, as the communications and everything ~s going forthwith this name and we urge others to do the same. After lunch we had quite a discussion with our guest at the DOT. We talked about the Helena - Great Falls track problem. He told us that there has been no traffic on the line now for four years. There had been a try to abandon the line' and convert it from rail to trails, but the homeowners in the area are against it. Another point brought to our attention was that the Central Montana Railroad trackage is owned by the state and leased to them. The same thing could be done with the Helena - Great Falls tracks. It has been estimated that to fix that line would be about $2 million. Another point brought forth was during the last Legislature a bill was put forth for the state to do something about the route, but the bill died. We then decided two things. We would urge the same Legislature to do another bill this session and add to it that some of the surplus money that is being batted aroond be used to fix and purchase the mute. Further we would urge that the state pumhase a DMU or R.DC to nm over the line Helena - Great Falls - Shelby. When the tracks are purchased by the state, the agreement with BNSF would be have trackage fight fi:om Great Falls to Shelby. (I would suggest if possible to get the track rights t~om Billings to Great Falls, which would be a boom to getting more passengers on the Builder). More discussion on what is going on in the DOT with a report that one of the members was attending a meeting on the Iransit subsidies laws. We then heard from Art Poole, a member of our group, of WASHarp, AORTA and NARP where he is the Vice-President for the Western Region. His report to as was very satisfying which I will try to get it all in. He told us that our Association was one of more active in our communication effort. By that it is known we only have around 50 members, which is probably stretching it, but send to 250 our newsletter. We send to Chambers; Mayors, media and C0mmlnsi0ners. Of COurse it is had to estimate hoTM many actually read - the newsletter. Also, emalls received at~ sent to a lot of people around to ikeepup on eVerything happening. This is shown by the number of Pbone calls made to Congress fi:om people in Montana regarding railroad issues. He then talked about the vision plan of NARP and asked if we would respond our thoughts so that he can send on to the NARP board.. A map of this Vision .was passed around and comments were heard. Another area that could be a great tourist attraction is f~om Helena to Augusta. What a beautiful route to have a excursion train with a dinner and mystery theater. It is things like this that would boost the economy of the area and the state. I plan to took into the line to see what the frequency it is used. Like the Helena - Great Falls line which also has some amazing scenery. IfI had the money I sure would be looking into some of these areas. Not only for the excursion trains but regular transportation for the citizens of Moutana and freight. Short line railroads are going to more and more as the large Class i, railroads don't want to be bothered. If any one wants to look into this with me let me know as I have the address of the company that has the RDC cars for sate. R D C U N I T C H E N : C O A C H O P E R A T O R ABOVE ARE FOUR PHOTOS THAT SHOW ~,~.~LAT COULD BE OBTAINED, EACH UNIT IS SELF CONTAINED WITH MOTOR. A/C, HEAT AND LIGHTING. UNITS DIFFER WITH SOME HAVING KITCHENS WI-LU~E OTHERS DO NOT. MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS 2110 WINGATE LANE BILLINGS, MONTANA 59102 406-652-1339 jimabiff~MT.NET NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 309 BILLINGS, MONTANA MayOr, City of Laurel 115W. 1~' St. Laurel, Mt 59044 , .~q ........... ~. ~'~*~ . THIS EDITION ~ICIAL NEWS FOR "MARP" IS WITH THE SUPPORT OF TI-IE FOLLOWING BUSINESS. WE ASK YOU TO ~ AND TO SUPPORT THEM. WE Nv:~':} ] MORE LIKE THEM. BE A DLrES PA~ OR BE A SPONSOR OF THE NEWSLE rfER OR BE 111iR YET, BE BOTH. PLEASE I-m'l.P!! LEWIS TREE SERVICE 225 SHERMAN ROCK SPRINGS, WY 307-382-8675 MCCARTNEY-WARF CONSTRUCTION P O BOX 163 WI-IIT~,IqSH, MT 59937 406-862-5449 OR 862-7646 ROBERT & CATHERINE FISHTAIL, MT HAL COOPER PASCO, WASH ACKLEY PARqTING 1603 JACKSON ST MISSOULA , MT 59802 406-728-2178 DEPOT ENTERPRISES JANEL MADRAZO BUrrE,MT 59701 4064944968 CHICO HOT SPRINGS PRAY, MT 59065 406-333-4933 DON'T LET OUR ORGANIZATION GO THE SAME WAY THE CABOOSE HAS GONE, --- KEEP US ON TRACK AND GOING. PAY YOUR YEARLY DUES NOW!!! PAY YOUR SPONSOR FEE NOW-- FOR FUTLFRE ISSUES!! WE ARE GAINING GROUND AND MAKING OUR POSITION KNOWN.