Held at the offices of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority

May 2nd, 2002 - 1:30 p.m.

MINUTES

APPROVAL OF BOARD AGENDA FOR MAY 2nd, 2002

NEW BUSINESS AND BOARD COMMENTS

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Mr. Lester and seconded by Mr. Bruning to approve the agenda of the April 4, 2002 meeting. The meeting agenda was approved unanimously.

 Multi-modal Passenger Terminal (MMPT)

A meeting of the MMPT sub-committee of the Georgia Rail Passenger Coordinating Committee, comprised of 65 invited stakeholders was held on April 30^th, 2002.  This meeting, attended by 64 stakeholders initiated the implementation of the next steps approved by the PMT at the March meeting. The meeting attendees prepared a vision statement for Georgia Multi-modal Passenger Terminal and circulated it for review among the stakeholders. Identified was the MMPT Steering Committee responsibilities, process, and  membership for implementation of the adopted concept (Concept 6).  The Steering Committee comprises of members from Governmental agencies, private property owners, community neighbors, business groups, prospective partners/tenants, and suburban bus operators.  The grant application has been submitted to Federal Transit Administration seeking release of HPP funds for MMPT property consolidation, schematic design for the transportation facility portion of the development, and site preparation.

Rail Corridor Implementation Work

The scope has been finalized of the Atlanta capacity analysis through coordination with CSX Transportation.  A draft assessment has been prepared of the vulnerability of bus and rail station sites and layover facilities to the pressures of development along the Macon corridor. A meeting with the GDOT planning staff has taken place to discuss coordination with local governments on grade crossing safety, station locations, highway improvements near grade crossings and station sites, and comprehensive land use plan updates.   Work has resumed on the Athens Environmental Assessment. A draft has been submitted on Historical Resources, Archaeology, and Ecology Impacts to the GDOT Office of Environmental Location for review.  Revised schedule shows completion of Environmental Assessment in September, and public hearings in November or December 2002.

Grade Crossing Safety Implementation

Initial round of consultation meetings with all Federal, State, and local agencies along the Atlanta-Macon corridor regarding the improvement of grade crossing safety have been completed.   The preparation of the draft closure and separation recommendations for highway-rail at-grade crossings along the Macon corridor continue to take place.  The next round of meetings to review the draft recommendations for crossings is expected to occur in June/July timeframe.  Final report for Grade Crossing Safety Implementation plan will be ready in August 2002.

 

Members of the committee were reminded of the APTA Commuter rail and Rail Transit conference scheduled to take place on June 8^th through June 13^th, 2002 in Baltimore, MD.

GRTA Northwest Connectivity Study update

Mr. Ritchey presented the Northwest Connectivity Study update.  Mr. Ritchey indicated that the study is looking at all the alternative transportation modes.  No alignment or technology has been identified.  The first round of public meetings has taken place earlier this year with a conceptual design identified.

Macon Corridor Site Vulnerability Assessment

Mr. Roberts discussed the Macon Corridor Site Vulnerability Assessment.  Mr. Roberts indicated that the Consultants would come back to the committee with a detailed outline of the next steps.  Initially the next steps are to purchase the property, ensure that the proposed sites are incorporated in the counties comprehensive plan, and discuss the suggested measures for the site vulnerability.

Athens Environmental Assessment Schedule

Mr. Roberts presented an update to the Athens Environmental Assessment Schedule. Mr. Roberts indicated that the environmental document is expected by year-end 2002. 

The major milestones meeting has been scheduled and in early June is expected a full draft of this document.

Mr. Lester requested an update on the Atlanta / Macon bus ridership.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Project Management Team, the meeting adjourned at 2:42 pm.