10:00am, April 15, 2016
Coffee will be available at 9:30 A.M. and lunch will be served following the meeting.
Commission Office
The ACP Building - 8th Floor
190 N. Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA
For directions Call (215) 592-1800
Please Use Sixth Street Entrance
1. Call to Order
Task Force members and friends will be welcomed and recognized. Highlights from the previous freight advisory committee meeting on January 15, 2016 will be offered for approval.
2. FAST Act: Key Highway, Freight, and Planning Provisions
Dan Walston and Calvin Edghill of the Federal Highway Administration will provide an overview of the FAST (i.e., Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Act’s key highway, freight, and planning provisions. Improving the nation’s highway and freight network is a key priority for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and FHWA will offer insight on important aspects of the FAST Act and preparing for implementation.
3. National Highway System Connector Evaluations
Michael Ruane of DVRPC and two civil engineering students from Villanova University will discuss their research methodology and recommendations for alternatives that address operational, safety, and infrastructure capacity improvements for two National Highway System (NHS) Connectors in the Delaware Valley Region.
4. Development of the Southport Marine Terminal Complex
Nicholas Walsh and Gregory Iannarelli of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority will provide an update on the development of the Southport Marine Terminal Complex. An RFP for Southport was released on February 29, 2016 to develop a new, state-of-the-art marine terminal at the eastern end of the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.
5. Celebrating 40 Years of Conrail
Tim Tierney will highlight the role of Conrail in supporting and expanding freight rail service in the Delaware Valley. For 40 years, Conrail has been an integral freight operator and serves as the primary connection to both Class I railroads in the region. Mr. Tierney will highlight the company’s rich history, accomplishments, and unique challenges in the region.
6. Two-minute Reports
Task Force and Subcommittee chairs and Task Force members and friends are invited to offer updates on the activities of their companies and agencies.
7. Old or New Business/Adjournment
Old or new items of business will be considered. The remaining 2016 meeting dates of the Delaware Valley Goods Movement Task Force are: July 13 and October 14.