Link to a radio program on NPR, concerning recent decision in Mass. and the Central Mass. Rail-Trail

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wbur/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=466434
ryarger@rypn.org

Pennsylvania has been addressing that problem for some time.

Electric City Trolley Museum Association

Fighting the assault on keeping rail ROW intact is getting harder and harder. Between the property owners, trailies (of the foot, pedal and motor vareity) and NIMBY's (who don't like trailies) there is a lot of opposition to the people who consider an intact rail bed part of the nation's "banked" infrastructure.

If I were in charge down there in Washington, I think part of my plan would be an immediate moratorium on ROW destruction.

It is a simple matter of times we live in. Building new ROW for anything, be it rail, highway, foot or Segway, is extremely hard to do in a developed society. There's simply no more room in many places.

Thus, the rail ROW is an exisiting corridor that can be protected for eventual reuse "whenever." Lately, that re-use has been for rail and highway in North Conway, NH - highway in PA - trail in Central Jersey - planned commuter service in Central Jersey - and revitalized freight service all over.

ROWs are important beyond any historical or cultural significance.

Aren't we at a point where we can hold ROW's "banked" without any other reason than it being a good idea?

Obviously not, but we should be.

Rob

trains@robertjohndavis.com