Minutes 02-27-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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She said the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has suggested that the $8 million permanent station be included in the Transit Plan and should be pursued since the transit tax supports this phase. Commissioner Gordon said there was a lot of money added to not to stop the train in Hillsborough. She said she would be interested in knowing what Hillsborough wants. She asked if the Town would rather have the $4 million project or the $8 million project. Margaret Hauth said the projects have all been submitted to DOT for scoring purposes, and the $8 million project was submitted. Commissioner Rich asked for clarification on what the cost is if the by-pass rails are not built. Margaret Hauth said the capacity study will give a lot more information. She said the by-pass won't be as elaborate for three trains. She said, because there is no funding for the passenger trains that will not stop in Hillsborough, there is no need to build the tracks for those trains. She said the extra by-pass rails were only needed if there were funded trains that would not stop in Hillsborough. She said all of the passenger trains funded today are scheduled to stop in Hillsborough. Margaret Hauth noted that freight does not run on as tight of a schedule as passenger trains. Commissioner Pelissier asked about the location of single tracks versus double tracks. Margaret Hauth said her understanding is that dual tracking is slowly being brought north out of Charlotte. Commissioner Dorosin asked for the substantive difference between the $4 million station and the $8 million station. Margaret Hauth said it is the difference between a modular train station building and a brick and mortar, 6000 square foot building. She said it also involves the parking. Commissioner Price said she thinks it would help economic development to do the brick and mortar building. Commissioner Dorosin asked why the modular was ever recommended. Margaret Hauth said this was suggested to get the station open earlier. Commissioner McKee noted that this was the last project added to the bus and rail investment plan. He is concerned that the last project in may be the first project out, and he feels it is important to stay aware of what is going on. Eric Hallman said one of the ways he hopes to accelerate this process is through a public private partnership, given that the town owns the 20 acres for the building development. He said he would look to the County to help push this. Margaret Hauth said the town needs to develop the vision on paper to share with people. Mayor Stevens said the town is funding some of the impact study for this project, and there are efforts being made to keep this moving. Commissioner Pelissier said Triangle Transit is having a lot of different financial models run and is looking at options, including public private partnerships. She said she is attending conferences in reference to this, and there is a public private partnership conference on transit in Charlotte next week. She said the Board is going to look at all of the options on the table to make sure the plan that everyone agreed to is implemented. Commissioner Price asked if Amtrak is still a big player. Margaret Hauth said Amtrak is very supportive but they are not offering any financial assistance. Commissioner Price asked who owns the rail line.