This week, the Omaha World-Herald included an article about the Chicago-Omaha high-speed passenger rail feasibility study being conducted by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The Iowa DOT is currently seeking public input at http://chicagotoomaha.com/. Please go there now and provide your comments.
The OWH article did not mention that at the same time this public comment period is taking place, there is a bill (LB 747) in the Nebraska Legislature that would revoke the state’s signature to the Midwest Intercity Passenger Rail Compact. While LB747 does not necessarily effect the outcome of the feasibility study, it cancels our membership to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Consortium (MIPRC) and sends a terrible signal to other states that Nebraska does not want to collaborate in efforts to promote, coordinate and support regional improvements to passenger rail service. Nebraska is not being asked to commit any public funds to the feasibility study and is also not required or compelled to follow any conclusions of the feasibility study.
As we look toward the industry, leisure, and travel options of the future, it would be a very short-sighted decision to shut down the potential for new infrastructure development and options for connections with other large cities in our region. We at least need to see what the study says before we send a signal that could lead Iowa DOT and the Federal government to exclude Omaha from a future HSR link to Chicago, especially if it is found to be feasible.
LB 747 is currently in the Transportation and Telecommnications Committee and is available to read here. Please write to the Transportation and Telecommunications chairwoman, Deb Fischer, and your state senator expressing your opposition to this bill.
For more information on rail issues in Nebraska, check out the ProRail Nebraska website.
I am a member of a volunteer tearm retired from the now closed Western Electric Co. Omaha Works @ 120th & F Streets. A small group of retirees transport members of the Omaha Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind to their monthly meetings and some times to other places NFB members have difficulty ‘get to’. One of the three I transported last evening was Kenda Slavin who mentioned a meeting somewhere on the UNO campus next Tuesday, 21 FEB 12. Where and when is this meeting please? George Parkerson 402-346-8367
The next Mode Shift Omaha meeting is Feb. 21 at 6:30 pm at UNO in the CPACS building, room 208. Here are the directions for getting there:
Directions to UNO CPACS:
The map of the UNO campus is here: http://www.unomaha.edu/maps/docs/UNO-2010-10.pdf. The CPACS building is in the middle of the Dodge street location marked CPC.
Metro bus #2 makes frequent stops on Dodge Street or #11 passes close by on Leavenworth street with a short walk through Elmwood park to campus: http://www.metroareatransit.com/bus-system/system-map#bus-routes
Bike racks are on the west side of the CPACS building.
If you are driving, you can park at the meters in front of the Milo Bail Student Center (MSC) or Eppley Administration Building (EAB)–in lots C or B. You can also request a temporary parking permit in advance that allows you to park anywhere on campus: http://www.unomaha.edu/parking/visitor_form.php.
[…] Link: http://modeshiftomaha.org/2012/02/15/act-now-to-support-option-for-high-speed-rail/ Tags: high-speed rail, Midwest, Nebraska, Omaha, rail Share: […]