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After formal approval of the membership at the general meeting in January, the CR (Commuter Rail) Section "rolled up it's sleeves" and began the task of organizing, consolidation of old and new members, and building our working relationship with the RTA staff and local governments and organizations up and down the line.

Rob Morrison will serve as N. corridor coordinator, Bob Whalen as South Corridor, and Walter Hazen as East Corridor (never to soon to plan for expansion!). Each station location will have a lead person, yet to be named, so if interested, please contact Rob, Bob or myself.

RTA scoping meetings were attend by section members as CR shapes it's Environment Impact Statement. Each Community has it's own priorities, with many eyeing CR as the centerpiece of downtown revitalization. Several individual meetings occurred in various cities to promote the multimodal benefits of linking Amtrak and CR with good response (Tukwila and Renton).

Chuck Mott, Lloyd Flem, Rob Morrision, Bob Whalen and myself met with Paul Price and his staff to formalize our working relationship with the RTA. This was an excellent first meeting, where a wide range of topics were discussed. Most important were Lloyd's efforts to combine our talents with the RTA in promoting the "balanced transportation" funding package that we are working towards this session. The anti-rail foes are active again, and a united front is in everyone best interest. Chuck, as usual, made sure the RTA heard "loud and clear" our ability to get the job done. We look forward to promoting the very best system the RTA can put in place.

Your support for the section, both in membership and talent is needed, and I encourage all members to get involved with what I consider to be the next major challenge in promoting passenger rail service in the NW region.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19, 1998 at Andy's Diner in Seattle (2963 4th Avenue South). Dinner orders taken at 18:30, and meeting starts at 19:00. The standard Andy's Dinner menu will be used and separate checks will be issued. All are welcome.

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Last Update: 11/14/98
Web Author: Warren Y. Yee