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National Association of Railroad Passengers: www.narprail.org
To Transportation Secretary Mary Peters regarding ARC TunnelsNovember 21, 2008 The Honorable Mary Peters Dear Secretary Peters: We strongly urge you not to allow the Federal Transit Administration to sign a Record of Decision in New Jersey Transit’s Access to the Region’s Core project. The elimination of the connecting link between the new tunnels and New York Penn Station makes this project unworthy of federal funding in its present form. It is unacceptable to make such a huge infrastructure investment and ten years hence have New York Penn Station still linked to New Jersey only by the existing, century old pair of tunnels. Further, we ask you to oppose—and urge your successor to oppose—federal funding for this project so long as NJT keeps secret the documentation underlying the 31-page “Executive Summary” of the 2003 Major Investment Study. The public is entitled to all 1,600 pages of the analysis that led to the rejection of constructing a link between NYP and Grand Central Terminal and the decision to build a separate, dead-end terminal on Manhattan’s west side, which many advocates believe is a waste of scarce resources. Again, if this project goes forward in its present form, the practical reality is to forever preclude Amtrak trains and certain New Jersey Trains from ever using the new tunnels. More information is in the pages accompanying this letter. We would appreciate the opportunity to make a presentation to you or your staff. Thank you very much. Sincerely, George L. Chilson Ross B. Capon cc: The Honorable Joseph Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator |