The advocacy group is working hard to urge Massachusetts officials to spend an estimated$30,000$30 Million (thanks to Heather for the correction) to complete the proposed north-south CT commuter rail line in Springfield, lending the area a critical transportation/economy boost, and preventing trains from having to use the station there merely to turn around with their doors closed as an end point for the line.
Two of the group's members were recently interviewed for a blog podcast here:
http://pvcentral.net/?p=172 and more info can be found at springfieldrail.org.
At the fundraiser event on Sat 9/6, 12-2 in Springfield's downtown library branch, lieutenant governor Tim Murray is slated to be the featured speaker. Murray is former mayor of Worcester, which enjoys a commuter rail connection to Boston.
The group is working to invite the mayors of Springfield, Hartford and New Haven to support the fundraiser, as well as other mayors and various officials in cities and towns throughout the Pioneer Valley.
Full Press Release:
The Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail will hold a fundraiser at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 6, 2008 in the Community Room of the Springfield City Library, 220 State St., Springfield, MA. Lt. Governor Tim Murray will be the featured speaker. All local residents, businesses, and officials are invited to attend.
The suggested donation is $20. Members of the PVACR are all volunteers. They would like to cover the costs for printing brochures, mailings (paper and stamps), paper for petitions, and website management. Those interested in attending may RSVP by September 4 to the PVACR at pvacr@yahoo.com or via mail at PVACR, P.O. Box 90845, Springfield, MA 01139. Parking is available at the State St. Parking Lot. The Community Room location is accessible directly from State Street or from the Quadrangle via elevator.
Interested residents of the Pioneer Valley can learn how they can participate in promoting the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail line. The PVACR’s advocacy work this past year resulted in the inclusion of a line item in the latest version of the Transportation Bond Bill for some of the cost of the line. The funds have not yet been appropriated for this project, however. The PVACR will continue to ensure the line is running.
According to a conservative estimate from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, public investment would stimulate an additional $152 million in new economic activity for the Greater Springfield region. Other examples of similar projects, like the “Downeaster” line from Maine to Boston, have demonstrated successful intermodal cooperation. For more information on the PVACR, see www.SpringfieldRail.org.
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