Urgent Falmouth Secondary Rail Line Update! July 10, 2024
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- We have been notified that Senator Susan Moran, a known opponent of rail service on Cape Cod, has introduced an amendment to the annual budget bill which will use MassDOT to “authorize” the CCRTA to remove the Falmouth Secondary trackage for the Bourne Rail Trail.
The vote is happening tomorrow, and we need as many people to call Sen. Moran’s office as possible! If you live in Barnstable or Plymouth Counties, tell her that you do not support amendment 333 and strongly encourage her to rescind it. This is the number to call: (617) 722 1330. Email: susan.moran@masenate.gov
PLEASE be polite, exercise control, and do not use insults or any other derisive language. Below is the language of Sen. Moran’s amendment:
"Amendment ID: S2856-333
Amendment 333
Rail Trail
Ms. Moran moves that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-
SECTION X. The department of transportation shall authorize the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority to begin conversion and construction of a 'rail-to-trail' bike trail on the current Falmouth Secondary Rail Line.'"
Template email:
Save the Falmouth Secondary Rail Line
I am writing to support the preservation and continued operation of the MassDOT Falmouth Secondary Rail Line in Bourne and Falmouth, MA. This rail line is an essential resource for Cape Cod and Massachusetts that needs to be retained for current and future uses. Rail transportation is the most efficient way to move heavy freight long distances and is also the answer to reducing traffic on the canal bridges. Without the line truck traffic will increase on Cape Cod and the option for future passenger service will be eliminated. A compromise with the trail group can be made making the path a rail with trail option where the trail runs alongside the rail. Removing the line for a bike path is an extremely shortsighted proposal that will have immediate and long term negative effects on Cape Cod and Massachusetts as a whole. Please consider removing your amendment ("Rail Trail" ID: S2856-333) that would remove the rails and our alternative transportation route to Falmouth, Upper Cape Regional Transfer Station, and the Otis Air Force Base forever.
Signed,
[Insert name here]
Contact information:
Senator Susan Moran: susan.moran@masenate.gov
Tom Cahir, CCRTA: tcahir@capecodrta.org
Chalita Belfield, director of railroad properties for MassDOT: Chalita.Belfield@dot.state.ma.us
Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT Rail & Transit: Meredith.Slesinger@dot.state.ma.us
State Rep Steven Xiarhos Steven.Xiarhos@mahouse.gov
Congressman Bill Keating: keating.house.gov/contact
For submitting editorials to local newspapers, see the following:
Bourne Enterprise: remillard@capenews.net
Falmouth Enterprise: saito@capenews.net
Sandwich Enterprise: paradise@capenews.net
Amendment 333:
malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S...
Flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/1404502...
Comments? Questions?
Just leave a note in the comment section and I'll get back to you.
©2024 South Coast Rail Videos - Розваги
I have been told we have had a large outpouring of opposition to Susan Moran's amendment - BUT - we need to remember this is a SENATE matter, not in the State House of Representivies yet. To that end we need and CAN and it has been recommended we contact all State Senators with our opposition. Below is a draft template along with the email addresses of all State Senators:
Subject: Urgent: Opposition to Amendment 333 for Rail Trail Conversion
Dear [Senator's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you as a concerned resident of [Barnstable/Plymouth] County regarding Senator Susan Moran’s proposed Amendment 333 to the annual budget bill. This amendment would authorize the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) to remove the Falmouth Secondary trackage for the Bourne Rail Trail, effectively converting it to a rail-to-trail bike path.
While I understand the desire to enhance recreational infrastructure, I strongly believe that preserving rail service is crucial for our community’s transportation needs and economic development. The conversion of the Falmouth Secondary Rail Line would eliminate a vital transportation option that could be leveraged for future transit solutions, particularly in our region where sustainable and diverse transportation options are necessary. Relocating the rail line would be prohibitively costly due to significant tunnel and grading requirements. Additionally, we need to maintain our options for municipal solid waste and debris removal off Cape Cod to alleviate congestion on our already strained bridges.
I urge you to oppose Amendment 333 and advocate for the retention and potential expansion of rail services in our area. This rail line represents a significant asset for our community, offering a viable alternative to road transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting environmental sustainability.
If you could please reconsider this amendment and work towards a solution that balances both recreational and transportation needs, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Your support in maintaining our rail infrastructure is vital for the continued growth and connectivity of our region.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Below is the list of emails for the Massachusetts State Senators:
Sure, here is the list formatted with emails separated by commas:
Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov, Michael.Brady@masenate.gov, William.Brownsberger@masenate.gov, Nick.Collins@masenate.gov, Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov, Cynthia.Creem@masenate.gov, brendan.crighton@masenate.gov, John.Cronin@masenate.gov, julian.cyr@masenate.gov, Sal.DiDomenico@masenate.gov, peter.durant@masenate.gov, Lydia.Edwards@masenate.gov, James.Eldridge@masenate.gov, Ryan.Fattman@masenate.gov, paul.feeney@masenate.gov, Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov, Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov, Adam.Gomez@masenate.gov, Patricia.Jehlen@masenate.gov, John.Keenan@masenate.gov, edward.kennedy@masenate.gov, Robyn.Kennedy@masenate.gov, Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov, Joan.Lovely@masenate.gov, Paul.Mark@masenate.gov, Liz.Miranda@masenate.gov, Mark.Montigny@masenate.gov, Michael.Moore@masenate.gov, susan.moran@masenate.gov, Patrick.OConnor@masenate.gov, Jacob.Oliveira@masenate.gov, Marc.Pacheco@masenate.gov, Pavel.Payano@masenate.gov, Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov, Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov, Mike.Rush@masenate.gov, Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov, Bruce.Tarr@masenate.gov, Walter.Timilty@masenate.gov, john.velis@masenate.gov
Thank you for taking action, and please do not hesitate to share this issue with your friends and community. Your support is greatly appreciated.
P.S. Here is the language of Sen. Moran’s amendment for your reference:
"Amendment ID: S2856-333
Amendment 333
Rail Trail
Ms. Moran moves that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-
SECTION X. The department of transportation shall authorize the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority to begin conversion and construction of a “rail-to-trail" bike trail on the current Falmouth Secondary Rail Line."
Great video! I designed some yard signs for this, but whenever I paste the link into YT comments it gets deleted. If you'd like the link, I can share it with you for you to sell. I want to help raise awareness. Thanks!
News flash! Senator Moran backed off and withdrew the amendment! Probably knew it wasn’t going to pass. This is what happens when we get together and fight. Thank you everyone who expressed their opposition to this ridiculous proposal.
Very good news, I will need to post an update video
@@SouthCoastRailVideos it was in todays Falmouth Enterprise. Cavossa commented that she was going against all the area towns wishes. The military commented as well. I’m sure they’ll keep trying, but as Cavossa said “they’re fighting an uphill battle “.
@@jerrys9226Great to hear Senator Moron is out of office.😊
@@jasonervoes1326 well, not yet, but this is her last horrah.
Same , keep the rail line, and do a rail with trails. Both parties are happy you have the rail line and waking trail, too.
I hope everything goes well for the Falmouth line
Just wanted to let everyone know that I got a response back from Susan Moran. Probably a preplanned canned response that gets sent out to everyone. It said basically for any improvement to the existing rail line for commuter rail would require a new train bridge, yep, that’s what she said. She has also filed another amendment, #331, for 8,750,000 to build a new rail line from Otis to the canal. Even if this is remotely possible that’s not close to what it would cost. Obviously a red herring.
@@jerrys9226 I received the same copy and paste….crazy and unbelievable
@@SouthCoastRailVideosit’s all misinformation for the uninformed. She wants people to think the Falmouth secondary can be replaced for 8 million. How would it even connect back up at the canal without crossing major roadways? Not to mention huge grade change. If you look back at history, and you’ve covered this in previous videos, the Falmouth line was lost by last minute insertion of an amendment. Same playbook.
first of all, what bridge? literally what bridge would they need to replace, that they somehow cannot do for less than the cost of a new line? and also, why build a new line from the canal to Otis AFB… when the Falmouth branch already does that? this senator has completely lost the plot
@@burlingtonfan7492she says the current railroad bridge would have to be replaced. Why? Who knows? It’s all misinformation to mislead people.
Just sent an email. Susan Moran is not running for reelection so she must be trying to go out in a blaze of glory. Or maybe she’s trying to appease the rip out the track crowd on her way out the door. In any event sounds like a long shot on their part. It’s so annoying.
Just sent an email. Keep the Falmouth Line!
What's the need for another trail? Cape Cod has the canal to bike around, plus a lot of the roads there are bike safe. What's the need for more rail to trails? How about adding more sidewalks??
They want it all.
Sent my email, I never thought they would get this far with that insane proposal. Hopefully all goes well for this line.
I agree. This is what happens when they get political backing. It’s a feel good thing even though it’s totally outrageous. This is what happened 20 years ago in Falmouth, but that line was out of service, not active. Still a tragedy though. Nowadays there shouldn’t be any lines ripped out without careful consideration.
i can't believe this rail line could be torn up :(
Hopefully it won’t be. It’s such an outrageous proposal. Absurd really. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
👍👍
Moran is a falmouth local , she probably wouldnt care less if this was anywhere else. What , is the trail from north falmout to woods hole not enough for her ?
Just put the trail somewhere else perhaps?
It’s never enough. They want it all.
She wants to create a trail in the area she lives in and would most assuredly have it named for her. It’d be like the William J. Le Petomane Thruway and lone toll booth for this area.
Superb
Guys, it’s hard to make the bike path next to the rails. If we’re taking the Falmouth line here it goes straight through cohasset narrows. That would mean the bike trail would go into the water and through sand dunes. What I don’t get is that they already have one in Falmouth that goes all the way to woods hole. They don’t need another one in the same town. Plus, theres already like 500 of them so we dont need another one.
Was the Senator Moran, or Moron?
Hope they like higher taxes and more road congestion if they remove the tracks for a bike trail. If all that trash was shipped on trucks it would cause roads to deteriorate faster so you would have to fix them more frequently causing taxes to go up. More greenhouse gases as well. Hipsters do not like freight trains, they want their rail lines in their communities either turned into passenger rail or bike trails. Freight makes money though, lotta passenger trains are funded by tax dollars, it seems like they do not understand this concept or want to accept it. Now wonder why a lot of democrat cities are going broke. More intermodal= more traffic congestion and greenhouse gases in major cities; which creates the illusion that you need more commuter and passenger trains. Now hipsters do like to recycle so maybe they should build some loading docks\ transload spurs along the cape branch and ship bales of recycled cardboard, paper, aluminum cans in boxcars; recycled glass in covered hoppers and steel cans in gondolas.