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New Bedford/Fall River Rail Project
South Coast Rail

News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Draft Environmental Impact Studies are not expected until mid-June 2010.

NEWS

The Army Corps of Engineers has announced that their Draft Environmental Statement will not be released until at least mid-June 2010

November 2009

The Army Corps of Engineers has announced: their ‘Draft Environmental Impact Statement’ (DEIS) will not be released until at least mid-June 2010.

SEE: CCATS Web News and Page Newspaper Articles - Item The Boston Globe November 22, 2009

S.E. Mass. Commuter Rail Task Force Meeting, November 18, 2009

Guest Speaker at the November 2009 Task Force Meeting: Alan Anacheka-Nasemann, Senior Project Manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers, announced that the federally mandated review of the project (the DEIS) would not be released until mid-June 2010, at the earliest.

The independent consultant retained be the ACOE, is now in the process of reviewing all of the reports submitted by the Department of Transportation. SEE: Text Below – October 21, 2009. And South Coast Rail Web Site Reference Materials Section.
Following release of the DEIS document (Summer 2010) there will be a public comment period and at least one public hearing held in the region.
Still uncertain, is when we can expect to learn a determination on the ‘Preferred Alternative’.
Of the four route options: The Original Stoughton Alternative, The Stoughton/Whittenton Variation, The Attleboro Alternative, and The Rapid Bus – the only one acceptable to CCATS is the Original Stoughton Alternative.

Also, Guest Speaker at the November 2009 Task Force Meeting – John Clarke. Mass. Audubon Society’s ‘Director of Public Policy and Government Relations’, with a presentation on their most recent in a series of reports: ‘Losing Ground; Beyond the Footprint’.
The good news: Since the last report five years ago, thanks to the efforts of Mass. Audubon and other conservation groups, the trend of undeveloped land being lost has reversed itself. See: http://www.massaudubon.org/losingground/

Asked by a Task Force member about Mass. Audubon Society’s position on the South Coast Rail Project, Mr. Clarke stated that this organization (whose primary focus is Conservation) supports Commuter Rail, Transit Oriented Development, Fewer Highways, Fewer Cars on the roadways etc. and more specifically: With regard to SCR, Audubon had NO Position on the Alternatives. The society expects the project, and all of the options, to be reviewed by scientists, aiming for the least harmful, most beneficial transit service as viewed in the long-range, larger context.

Project proponents including CCATS welcomed this clarification of Mass. Audubon’s official position. Many of our supporters are also members of the Society. And we all hoped/expected that a conservation organization with Audubon’s reputation and influence would not ‘pull the trigger’ prematurely in concluding, without a very thorough review process, that one alternative was more environmentally damaging than another. We are pleased (that contrary to some perceptions out there) Mass. Audubon is taking the high/unbiased road, not jumping to conclusions: endorsing or opposing any of the alternatives for the South Coast Rail Project, before all of the options have been equally and scientifically evaluated with consideration given to all issues and factors, including long-range benefits.

The next S.E. Mass. Commuter Rail Task Force Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 4 to 6 P.M. at the Raynham Senior Center.

Coming December 1, 2009: Look for additions to our CCATS Web Site Photo Album Pages

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!


October 21,2009

EOT has now posted the Draft Technical Reports (including maps) on their Web Site.
See: www.southcoastrail.com Reference Materials Section
Three Sections, Posted October 19 – October 22, 2009 (Files are Huge)
Of Special Interest:
  FIRST Main Section, Draft South Coast Rail Technical Reports
  
  20-Oct-2009 ‘Draft Alternatives Technical Memorandum - September 2009’ [Bridges and Stations]

  See: Section 4.4.2 Bridges and Culverts – Attleboro Alternative (Pages 49 & 50 Online)

  Existing Commuter Rail Stations Affected by the Alternatives/Text
    Section 4.9.1.4 Canton Junction Station (Page 65 Online)
    Section 4.9.1.11 Mansfield Station (Page 71 Online)
    Section 4.9.1.13 Sharon Station (Page 72 Online)
  Draft Alternatives Description Technical Memorandum/Figures (Figures 4-11 through 4-29 & 4-35 through 4-41)
  Canton Jnct.: Fig. 4-29, Mansfield: Fig. 4-36, Sharon: Fig. 4-38
It appears, while the text indicates that all three stations will need to be reconstructed to accommodate the New Third Set of RR Tracks, this refers to the Station Areas: Platforms, Parking etc., not the actual Station Buildings. Reconstruction of the station areas will mean closing all three to commuters for at least one month’s time. But the only station building which needs to be moved is the Mansfield Depot.

19-Oct-2009 ‘Draft Network Simulation Analysis of Proposed 2030 MBTA/Amtrak Operations Technical Memorandum (SYSTRA) – August 2009’ Conclusions: Pages 55 & 56 Online

****FIFTH Main Section, Draft Comparative Data on the South Coast Rail Alternatives, Presented at September 2009 Civic Engagement Meetings 23-Sep-2009 All Three Sections (Note: This is only 3 pages total)VITAL STATISTICS/Charts

Also Please See: CCATS Web Site, PROJECT INFO Page/MAPS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reports which were expected to be released around Labor Day have been delayed.

The Army Corps of Engineers is still reviewing the technical and environmental studies they have received for all of the options: Attleboro Alternatives (diesel and electric trains), Stoughton Original Alternatives (diesel and electric trains), Stoughton-Whittenton Variation (diesel and electric trains), Express Bus, and the No-Build Option (which entails improvements to existing private bus service).

This undertaking (for the technical studies alone) has become increasingly more difficult since findings of the November 2008 ENF: that in order to provide capacity for the New Bedford/Fall River trains on the Attleboro Route - a new third set of tracks would need to be constructed along the almost 20-mile stretch of Northeast Corridor Rail, through: Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Canton, Westwood and Dedham, into the Readville Section of Boston.

As of August 18, 2009: The Army Corps of Engineers had no target date for release of their EIS (expected also to serve as the State's EIR) and we nolonger have a time at which to expect the naming of a 'Preferred Alternative'.

Update from Heather Graf

October 2009


Revealed at Civic Engagement Meeting
September 14, 2009 Raynham

A. All Alternatives (Rail & Bus) – Comparative Analysis Charts

B. The Three Rail Routes:
Attleboro, Stoughton Original, & Whittenton Variation* – Increase in Total Number of Trains/Trips per Weekday

C. Proposed for the Attleboro Route Only:

1. Current Alignment of the 2.8 Mile Double Track Attleboro By-Pass

2. Under Attleboro Alternative/Alignment of the New Third Set of Tracks Along the Northeast Corridor****

3.Relocation of Three Train Stations: Mansfield, Sharon and Canton Junction

A. Comparative Analysis Charts can be found on the South Coast Rail Website www.southcoastrail.com Reference Materials Section Under ‘Draft Comparative Data… Presented at September 2009 Civic Engagement Meetings’
23 - Sep - 2009 General Project Information
23 - Sep - 2009 Environmental Impact Data
23 - Sep - 2009 Operations Data

*The so-called Whittenton Variation (of the Stoughton Route) An 11th hour alternative, to avoid the Pine Swamp in Raynham It is a circuitous route With the highest total number of grade crossings (53) 14 at-grade crossings in Taunton, in a 1 ¼ mile segment of inner city Compared with the Original Stoughton Alternative: The Whittenton Route would: Draw fewer riders, Have an 11 minute longer trip time Result in a greater extent of Priority Habitat Loss (12 acres)

CCATS agrees with Mayor Charles Crowley of Taunton that the Whittenton Variation Alternative is an “Abomination”. (Sep. 23, 2009 Taunton Daily Gazette)

CCATS Comparative Summary of the two most likely Rail Routes: Attleboro Alternative vs. Stoughton Original Alternative
Attleboro would take much longer to construct, be more expensive to build and operate, result in the loss of a significantly greater number of acres of both wetland and priority habitat areas, and the On -Time Performance Record for Attleboro is pitiful. While both alternatives would provide 38 total trips per weekday, all but two of these new trips on the Original Stoughton Alternative would be existing trains already running on that route, extending their trips southward. This accounts for the much better On - Time Performance, with only two additional trains accessing South Station on the Original Stoughton Route, compared with all 38 new trains with the Attleboro Alternative.

The Ridership figures (which also favor the Stoughton Original Alternative) have been adjusted somewhat since a November 2008 Memorandum.

CCATS still believes the ridership numbers are inflated for the Attleboro Route.
But because EOT has refused to comply with a request to show any detail for boardings at stations, we are unable to adequately critique and correct this report, which we believe is still flawed.

B. Total number of trains/trips per weekday has increased from 36 to 38 for all rail options

C.
1. Attleboro Alternative/Alignment of the 2.8 mile double track Attleboro By-Pass****

Attleboro - The alignment has been moved further to the northwest towards Pike Avenue and Plain Street in Attleboro. The new double track By-Pass would run outside of, and adjacent to the National Grid High Tension Power Line ROW. It has been shifted further from the actual ROW into Attleboro, through untouched territory, including virgin forests and wetlands with vernal pools as well as designated conservation areas. The By-Pass crosses the Nat’l. Grid ROW once to enter into Mansfield and connect with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Line.
Norton - There is an attempt to avoid new double track construction over Chartley Pond in Norton, but Chartley Swamp would still be impacted. At-grade crossings (new double track running across the roads at street level) would occur on Richardson Ave. and Rte. 123 near the Norton Town Line. Previously the crossing of Rte. 123 was to be a bridge or tunnel.
Mansfield - The length of the Arc where the new double By-Pass track would curve to connect with the N.E. Corridor in Mansfield has been lengthened, bringing the junction of the two new sets of tracks to just south of Gilbert Street: affecting more homes in that West Mansfield/Gilbert St. Area, as well as having a greater impact on Mansfield’s Designated Priority Habitat Conservation Land there.

Route 123 Attleboro/Near Norton Town Line at Nat’l. Grid ROW – Affecting Everyone
A proposed Grade -Separation (Bridge or Tunnel) for the new double track By-Pass, where it crosses Rte. 123 in Attleboro at the Norton Line, which was ALWAYS a part of the plan (including most recent Nov. 2008 ENF) has been abandoned, and changed to an At-Grade Crossing (tracks running across the road at street level).

CCATS expects to see recent Traffic Studies of the volume, and type of vehicles counted on this major East/West Artery to support the change, which we believe is unconscionable.

2.Attleboro Alternative/Alignment of New Third Set of Tracks –Northeast Corridor****

Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Canton, Westwood, Dedham, Readville

As noted above – Connection between the new double track Attleboro By-Pass and new third set of tracks along the N.E. Corridor would occur further north, just south of Gilbert St., Mansfield.

From that point South of the Mansfield Station
Through: Mansfield, Foxboro and a part of Sharon
The new third set of tracks would be constructed along the Easterly/Inbound Side of the existing N.E. Corridor.

In Sharon the new third set of tracks would cross over the existing Amtrak Line, approximately 1 mile north of the Sharon Train Station and be constructed along the Westerly/Outbound Side of the existing N.E. Corridor from north of the Sharon Station into the Readville Section of Boston..

This new third set of tracks would be constructed along this Westerly Side of the N.E. Corridor from the crossing point in Sharon
Through: Part of Sharon
All of: Canton, Westwood, Dedham, into Readville

Construction of this new third set of tracks along this almost 20-mile Route of the N.E. Corridor would:

Require –

A new bridge along the westerly side the Historic Canton Viaduct obstructing the View of this 175 year old rare stone structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Rebuilding of at least 19 RR & Highway Bridges: Canton – 6, Sharon – 3, Mansfield – 7, Attleboro – 1, Norton – 2
(Creating a huge mess for vehicular traffic from Mansfield to Boston)
In Mansfield: Relocation of the Mansfield Train Station, Commuter Parking Areas and Mansfield Avenue. Reconfiguration of North Common Park, and Reconstruction of the Rte. 106 and North Main Street Bridges
(Route 106 - currently being redone due to flooding issues)

Impact (At Least) –

The Neponset River
Fowl Meadow & Ponkapoag Bog ACEC
Countless Residential, Commercial & Industrial Properties
13 Municipal Water Protection Areas, Wells Serving the Communities
Of: Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Canton, Westwood & Dedham

3.Also Require Relocation of Three Train Stations:
Mansfield, Sharon & Canton Junction

Note: The Canton Junction Station (an historic 1892 structure made of block stone) was already moved back in October of 1999.
See – www.canton.org/relocate/junct.htm

The Mansfield Train Station is only 5 years old.

These Three Stations would be closed to commuters for at least one month’s time


**** MAPS showing the new alignments of the double track
Attleboro By-Pass, and the new third set of tracks along the Northeast Corridor

These maps were available for public viewing at the September 2009 Civic Engagement Meetings, but EOT has refused to post them on their Web site.

While CCATS understands this information is still in Draft Form (as is everything!) we believe it is disgraceful after 2 ½ years for the project proponent to be unwilling to show the proposed alignment of the Attleboro Alternative.
Those who would be impacted by construction of the proposed double track Attleboro By-Pass (where no railbed has ever existed) in:
Attleboro, Norton and Mansfield are at long last entitled to this most basic, but critical piece of information.

Those who would be impacted by construction of the proposed New Third Set of Tracks** along Amtrak’s Existing Northeast Corridor Line in: Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Canton, Westwood, Dedham & Readville are also entitled to this critical piece of basic information.

**Unfortunately, because the new third set of tracks along the N.E. Corridor was not a part of the plan until publication of the November 2008 ENF, those towns north of Mansfield were (and to some extent still are) Clueless about the impacts of the proposed Attleboro Alternative for South Coast Rail on their communities!


Digital photos were taken of the Draft Maps viewed at the Civic Engagement Meeting in Raynham.

****Please See: CCATS Website Project Info. Page, Maps Pages, October 2009

We regret our photos are of rather poor quality. Even the original maps as viewed were difficult to follow due to poor color choices (orange for new alignment) which is barely visible next to red and yellow.
And the thin orange line, while giving at least some rudimentary indication of where the new tracks would run, does not satisfactorily demonstrate the extent of their huge footprint.

Anyone wishing to finally get a better picture of the Attleboro Alternative before a ‘Preferred Alternative’ is selected
Should contact the State’s Project Manager for South Coast Rail at EOT:
Kristina Egan
Phone: (617) 973 – 7314
E-mail: Kristina.Egan@state.ma.us



April 20, 2009

Impacts of the Proposed South Coast Rail on Towns North of Norton
First: the so-called ‘Attleboro Alternative’ to bring trains from New Bedford and Fall River to Boston is still very much ON THE TABLE.

A decision on the route is now in the hands of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Mass. Office of Environmental Protection (MEPA). The ‘Preferred Alternative’ is expected to be announced around Labor Day.

Impacts to Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Canton etc.
There would be 36 additional MBTA Commuter Trains traveling at 70+ MPH through your towns.
SIGNIFICANT: Because there is no capacity on the existing Amtrak Line, a NEW THIRD SET OF TRACKS would need to be constructed, beginning in the southeast corner of Mansfield, then running north for approximately 20 miles through the centers of: Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Canton, Westwood and Dedham into the Readville Section of Boston.

In Mansfield and Foxboro:
The new third track would be built on the eastern/inbound side of the existing Amtrak Line. The Mansfield Station and Route 106 would both need to be reconstructed, as well as 22 Railroad and Highway Bridges along the way (presumably several in Mansfield which have already been rebuilt).

A recently released Ridership Report for the South Coast Rail Alternatives incorrectly assumed an expansion of the Mansfield Train Station Parking Area, with 800 additonal spaces.
This information (based on an old SRPEDD Transportation Plan) led to the calculation that 800 new riders would be boarding the New Bedford/Fall River Trains in Mansfield, an assumption which skewed the numbers to make the Attleboro Alternative perform better than it actually would.
This is significant because the number of new riders predicted is an important factor in determining which of the rail options will be selected.
It is doubtful the residents of Mansfield would welcome a dramatic expansion of their station (creating a more regional facility) which would attract up to 800 additional commuters from other communities to their downtown. These riders do not benefit the local businesses, their vehicles snarl traffic, beat up the roads and require additional public safety personnel.
Also of concern for Mansfield is the impact of the Proposed Attleboro Alternative on ‘PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION AREAS’. The new track would intersect or run adjacent to three wells in Mansfield: The Walsh Property Wellfield, Cate Springs Well #1, and Dustin Well #7.

The effects of construction and additional train traffic on the towns north of Mansfield have received less attention.

This plan is so ridiculous, many assumed it would have been eliminated. While the Project Proponent (EOT) made that recommendation, the ACOE and MEPA, agreed with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection Agency (DEP) that the Attleboro Alternative warranted further consideration.

The Mansfield Board of Selectmen is expected to address this issue at their Wednesday April 29th meeting.

Hopefully residents of Foxboro and the other towns along this ill-advised route will request their elected officials do the same.

Heather A. Graf, Coordinator
‘Citizens Concerned About Tracks’

April 7, 2009

On April 6, 2009 Secretary of Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles issued the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) ‘Certificate’ for the South Coast Rail Project, including the ‘Scope’ of review: which alternatives will advance for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

was done after consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – the federal agency which is responsible for choosing the ‘Preferred Alternative’, issuing a separate Draft Environmental Impact Study (EIS), and permitting the project.

Unfortunately, but not too surprising – the decision was made by these two regulatory agencies to leave the two primary Attleboro Alternatives on the table. (in spite of the recommendation by the Project Proponent – the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT): that all of the Attleboro Options should be eliminated).
The MEPA decision did rule out all of the alternatives along the Middleboro Route: Middleboro Simple, Middleboro Full, and the Middleboro/Attleboro Hybrid Option.

The 8 Alternatives – Along 3 Proposed Routes Moving Forward:


The 37 Page MEPA Certificate is available on the South Coast Rail Website.
Go to:
www.southcoastrail.com Home Page – At the bottom in blue
‘Click here for Secretary’s Certificate on the ENF’

Also of interest on the website’s Home Page:
‘Click here to read the comment letters’ (on the Ridership Report)
‘Click here to read the Supplemental Ridership Memo’


‘Citizens Concerned About Tracks’ continues to support the reestablishment of commuter rail to the Cities of Taunton, New Bedford & Fall River, to serve the South Coast region, but remains adamantly opposed to the ill-advised Attleboro Alternatives.**

The CCATS Coalition also rejects both of the Whittenton Rail Options**, and cannot support the Rapid Bus Alternative.

It is our belief that the Original Stoughton Route is the only viable alternative to accomplish the project’s goals.

Schedule Note:
Fall 2009 - An announcement is expected of a proposed Preferred Route and Alternative, when the Army Corps and MEPA issue their Draft EIS/EIR.

CCATS Website Note:
Two pages on this website: 'Position of CCATS' and 'Rail Project Info' will be updated by April 15, 2009.
Please check back, and also read the Newspaper Articles posted here.

And as always - we appreciate your interest, questions and comments.

January 29, 2009

Comments on the November 2008 'Environmental Notification Form' are being posted on the South Coast Rail Web Site.

Go to: Southcoast Rail Reference Materials Section

'ENF Public Comment Letters 26 - Jan. - 2009'

Note: As of January 29th, not all of the comments had been posted.
Letters from private citizens will appear in the two sections titled: 'Comments from Individuals and Businesses'.

Heather Graf's responses for CCATS can be found in the 'Non-Government Organization' section.

CCATS ALERT From - Heather Graf


December 1, 2008


IT’S NOT OVER YET!

Citizens Concerned About Tracks and Supporters:

Please join me for this one extremely important meeting to demonstrate our strength and resolve

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3, 2008
6:30 P.M. TAUNTON HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

With the November 19, 2008 release of the ‘Environmental Notification Form’ (ENF) came welcome news that the proponent of the South Coast Rail Project: the Mass. Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) recommends the Attleboro Alternatives be eliminated from further consideration.
But it is the regulatory agencies charged with overseeing and permitting the project who will make the determination at the end of January on which alternatives will advance and what the scope of review shall be.
The two agencies: The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) are sponsoring ‘Scoping Sessions’ to receive public input on how to proceed.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting Wednesday December 3, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. in the Taunton High School Auditorium. For those wishing to speak, sign-in begins at 5:30 P.M.
While the case made by EOT not to advance the Attleboro Route was a compelling one, use of the word “dropped” is premature.
The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for environmental review and permitting of the South Coast Rail, is an agency of the federal government working separately from the state.
The Corps has its own guidelines, criteria and regulations and an independent consultant has been hired to examine the findings in the Environmental Notification Form. Based on public input and the conclusions of their consultant, the Army Corps, as well as the State’s Regulatory Office (MEPA) will announce at the end of January which alternatives will be pursued in the federal and state environmental reviews.
It is hoped both agencies will concur with EOT’s recommendation that the Attleboro Alternatives not advance for the detailed EIS/EIR investigation.
Then by February 1, 2009 we can safely say “the Attleboro Route is off the table”.
For more information: Go to: www.southcoastrail.com Reference Materials: Environmental Notification Form (Chapter 6 and Figures: 3-1, 4-1 and 4-15 thru 4-20), and ENF-NOI Filing 2008. Also see: www.ccats.org News Page: Newspaper Articles.


NOTE:

An 11th Hour Addition to the Route Options
The So-called Stoughton Alternative/Whittenton Variation (4C)
This new route avoids the Pine Swamp in Raynham, but puts 30 New Bedford/Fall River trains on existing freight track through Taunton (the Attleboro Secondary) before connecting with the original Stoughton Route.
The Whittenton Option would have a longer trip time due to the serpentine nature of extra routing.
The Whittenton Variation of the Stoughton Alternative would give Taunton 14 at-grade crossings in the center of the city.
This new option would use a Whittenton Site for a station stop instead of the long favored and advanced Dean Street location, which would benefit the City of Taunton.
Reference: www.southcoastrail.com
Reference Materials ‘Environmental Notification Form’ 19-Nov-2008 Chapter 4, Page 51 and ‘ENF Figures’ 30-Nov-2008 Figure 3-1.

‘Citizens Concerned About Tracks’ opposes the Whittenton Option.
CCATS still supports the Original Stoughton Alternative with Dean Street Station.

Our regional coalition was founded with respect to the impacts on all of our area communities, with Taunton of tantamount importance.

If the Attleboro Alternatives are not advanced for the final environmental review, CCATS will concentrate its efforts on eliminating the Whittenton Variation (of the Stoughton Alternative) from further consideration.

14 at-grade crossings in the center of Taunton is totally unacceptable. Although we agree with Kristina Egan’s contention that ‘grade-crossings can be mitigated’ we reject the notion that 14 of them within a 1 ¼ mile section of the inner city is in any way tolerable.

We expect the Army Corps of Engineers to recognize that human beings and the City where they reside and work, are in fact essential living elements of the ‘Environment’ and deserve equal or greater protection of their habitat than some of the four-legged creatures who share our space.

The Whittenton Option would put Taunton residents, businesses and the City itself on the ‘Endangered Species’ List.

Advancement of the Whittenton Option is a slap in the face to Taunton, where officials and residents have welcomed the restoration of commuter rail service to their sister cities of New Bedford and Fall River.
Taunton’s support of the South Coast Rail is contingent upon use of the most logical route and the only one which benefits their City– the Original Stoughton Alternative, which would make Taunton the ‘Gateway to the South Coast’.







December 3, 2008 Scoping Session In Taunton


Heather Graf, Coordinator of ‘Citizens Concerned About Tracks’:
A regional coalition representing Norton, Mansfield, Attleboro & Taunton.

Oral statements this evening will focus on the Alternatives To Be Addressed:

We concur with EOT’s recommendations on the rail alternatives which should be eliminated: those being all of the Attleboro Route Options and Middleboro ‘Full’ (with improvements).
Setting aside the proponent’s deadlines for project completion and budget limits, these alternatives simply are not feasible, they are fatally flawed with construction obstacles which are insurmountable.
Along the Attleboro Route, disruption of service would not be temporary, and would in fact jeopardize operations along the entire Northeast Corridor, including Amtrak’s high speed and Acela Lines.

Going along with the Army Corps determination of the ‘LEDPA’ (the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative) our focus has been to first identify which options are not deemed practicable.
We believe the project proponents have made a compelling case (based upon findings presented in the November 2008 ENF) that none of the Attleboro Alternatives, and the Middleboro ‘Full’ (with improvements) could meet the LEDPA’s practicable standard. And we hope the Army Corps of Engineers will concur with these conclusions.

We disagree with EOT’s recommendation to advance the Middleboro ‘Simple’ Option (without improvements). It does not meet the criteria of providing an acceptable level of service, necessary to justify the project.
Neither of the Middleboro Alternatives (with one small tail-end touching on Taunton) would provide benefits to that City, which has long supported the reestablishment of commuter rail, in hopes of becoming a ‘Gateway to the South Coast’.
Use of the Middleboro Alternative for South Coast Rail would also mean the current Lakeville station (a catalyst for Smart Growth development in the region) would be reduced to a shuttle-bus depot.

Lakeville has partnered with the State in expansion of commuter rail along the Old Colony Line, and set an example of planning for transit oriented development, which will inspire job creation and provide economic stimuli .These efforts should be rewarded, not dismissed by proponents of a new project with similar goals.

We also take exception to inclusion of the Whittenton Variation of the Stoughton Alternative. This 3.5 mile serpentine jog/extension: partially on an abandoned ROW (through the northern village in Taunton known as Whittenton) and also along the Attleboro Secondary Freight Track, would substitute a Whittenton Stop for the long favored Dean Street Station in Taunton.
Dean Street Site is a good example of brownfields restoration, one which is expected to provide economic stimulus to the downtown area with a planned National Park, and the station location which would be the most beneficial to Taunton.

The Whittenton Option would also bring 30 commuter trains over 14 at-grade crossings in Taunton.
We expect the Army Corps and MEPA to recognize that pursuing this action would ‘significantly impact the human environment’ and to make the determination that the Whittenton Variation should be eliminated from further consideration.

People and the City in which they live and work, are in fact essential living elements of the ‘Environment’ and deserve equal or greater protection of their habitat as the four-legged creatures who share our space. Fourteen at-grade crossings in Taunton is an unacceptable trade-off to avoid crossing the Pine Swamp in Raynham.
The Whittenton Option would put Taunton residents and the City itself on the ‘Endangered Species List’.

While we recognize the ‘No Build’ and ‘Express Bus’ Alternatives will likely remain for consideration, neither of these options reach the threshold set forth in the Project Purpose.

The one alternative that stands out as meeting both the state and federal criteria to provide: feasible, cost-effective, reliable transit, capable of delivering an adequate level of service is - the Original Stoughton Alternative.
It is the most direct route, using primarily existing train sets (already running from Stoughton to Boston) without adverse impacts on the existing transportation system. The trains’ access to the Westwood Area at Canton Junction, as well as the Back Bay Station provide for greater job opportunities. And use of the Stoughton Route for South Coast Rail leaves open the possibility of extending the Middleboro Line to Wareham and Buzzards Bay, which would have great merit.
The Original Stoughton option meets the federal LEDPA standard, and also supports the State’s Smart Growth Initiatives for the region.

We trust the Army Corps of Engineers and MEPA will take all feasible measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate damage to the environment, and using modern technology may actually correct some long-standing problems and improve the quality of wetlands along the existing rail bed in the Hockomock Swamp.

‘Citizens Concerned About Tracks’ supports the reestablishment of commuter rail to the Cities of Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River and endorses the Original Stoughton Alternative to accomplish this goal. CCATS also respectively requests: that in addition to eliminating all of the Attleboro Route Options from further consideration, both of the Middleboro Alternatives, and the Whittenton Variation of the Stoughton Route be dropped as well.

If delivery of South Coast Rail is ever expected to become a reality, the regulatory agencies must soon focus their attention on practicable route options that can be constructed and operational, and then strive to: avoid, minimize and mitigate potential damage to the environment in the affected areas.

Thank you for this opportunity to speak.

Additional comments will be submitted in writing to MEPA and the Army Corps of Engineers prior to the January 9th deadline.

Heather Graf
Coordinator of CCATS
Norton Representative to the Southeastern Massachusetts Commuter Rail Task Force
SRPEDD Commissioner for the Norton Board of Selectmen







IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – November 10, 2008

FEDERAL

The US Army Corps of Engineers published their ‘Notice of Intent’ (NOI) on October 31, 2008 –
To Prepare an ‘Environmental Impact Statement’ (EIS) for the South Coast Rail Project.

Notice is available online at: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/reg/0758_001.pdf

STATE

The Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works (EOT), under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) is filing the ‘Environmental Notification Form’ (ENF) Mid-November 2008, with Notice in the Environmental Monitor published November 24, 2008.


The Army Corps of Engineers and EOT are seeking input on what should be studied in the federal (EIS) and state (EIR) environmental review of the South Coast Rail Project.

December: Two Public Scoping Meetings will be held @ 6:30 P.M.

Tuesday December 2, 2008 at U Mass Dartmouth (Woodland Commons Building)
285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth 02747-2300
Parking Available inLot #7

Wednesday December 3, 2008 at Taunton High School (Auditorium)
50 Williams Street, Taunton 02780

Scoping Sessions will begin at 6:30 P.M., with pre-registration beginning at 5:30 P.M.
Anyone wishing to speak needs to register.

Comment Period Ends January 9, 2009

Comments on what should be addressed in the federal EIS should be sent to:
Alan Anacheka-Nasemann
US Army Corps of Engineers
696 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742-2751
Or E-mail to: SCREIS@usace.army.mil
Reference: File # NAE-23007-00698 South Coast Rail Project

Comments on what should be addressed in the state EIR should be sent to:
Secretary Ian Bowles,EEA
Attn.: MEPA Office (Aisling Eglington)
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
FAX: (617) 626 –1181
E-mail:aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

NOTE: Comments for MEPA relative to the state EIR must be received in writing to be considered. Deadline is January 9, 2009.

We are expecting, with release of the State’s Environmental Notification Form (ENF):
to finally see the alignment of the PROPOSED ATTLEBORO BY-PASS, with graphics and other basic technical information requested for the Attleboro Alternatives.

To receive written copy, or CD of the ENF - Contact:
Charlie Patton at Regina Villa Associates
E-mail: cpatton@reginavilla.com

Copies should also be available at the Norton and other Public Libraries
And posted on the South Coast Rail Web Site: www.southcoastrail.com



NEWS/UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2008

Release of:
The Army Corps’ Notice of Intent’ (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the South Coast Rail Project**
See:http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/reg/0758_001.pdf

And the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) publication of the ‘Environmental Notification Form’ (ENF)****
See:www.southcoastrail.com

Wednesday November 19, 2008
Southeastern Massachusetts Commuter Rail Task Force Meeting
4:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park
Corson Maritime Learning Center, 2nd Floor 33 William Street, New Bedford
On the Agenda: Presentation on the Content of the Environmental Notification Form by South Coast Rail Manager Kristina Egan

DECEMBER 2008

The Army Corps of Engineers and the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works (EOT) will be conducting public meetings (Scoping Sessions) to receive input on what should be studied in the federal (EIS) and state (EIR) environmental review for the South Coast Rail Project.

Two Public Scoping Meetings will be held @ 6:30 P.M.

Tuesday December 2, 2008 at U Mass Dartmouth (Woodland Commons Building)
285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth 02747-2300
Parking Available in Lot #7

Wednesday December 3, 2008 at Taunton High School (Auditorium)
50 Williams Street, Taunton 02780

Scoping Sessions will begin at 6:30 P.M., with pre-registration at 5:30 P.M.
Anyone wishing to speak needs to register.
Oral testimony relative to the federal EIS will be recorded.
Comments relative to the state EIR must be submitted in writing.

Comment Period Ends January 9, 2009
**Comments on what should be addressed in the Federal EIS should be sent to:
Alan Anacheka-Nasemann
US Army Corps of Engineers
696 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742-2751
Or E-mail to: SCREIS@usace.army.mil
Reference: File # NAE-23007-00698 South Coast Rail Project

****Comments on what should be addressed in the State EIR should be addressed to:
Secretary Ian Bowles, EEA


Attn: MEPA Office (Aisling Eglington)
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
FAX: (617) 626 –1181
E-mail:aisling.eglington@state.ma.us

NOTE: Comments for MEPA relative to the State EIR must be received in writing to be considered.
Deadline is January 9, 2009.

We are expecting (November 2008) with release of the State’s Environmental Notification Form (ENF) to finally see the alignment of the proposed ATTLEBORO BY-PASS, with graphics and other basic technical information critical to review of the Attleboro Alternatives.

To receive written copy, or CD of the ENF - Contact:
Charlie Patton at Regina Villa Associates
E-mail:cpatton@reginavilla.com

Copies of the ENF should also be available at the Norton and other Public Libraries
And posted online at the South Coast Rail Web Site
www.southcoastrail.com

Wednesday December 10, 2008
Southeastern Massachusetts Commuter Rail Task Force Meeting 4:00 – 6:00 P.M.
at the Massachusetts Highway Department District 5 Office
100 County Street (Route 140)
Taunton, MA 02780



2009 Calendar

S.E. Mass. Commuter Rail Task Force Meetings
(All on Wednesday Afternoons, 4:00 – 6:00 P.M.)


See: www.srpedd.org


Go to: Projects and Partnerships, Commuter Rail Task Force, Calendar



January 7, 2009
February 11, 2009
March 11, 2009
April 15, 2009
May 13, 2009
June 17, 2009

Summer 2009:
Expect draft releases of the Federal EIS and State EIR, with EOT’s Draft Corridor Plan and their Preferred Alternative.

Spring 2010: Expect Announcement of EOT’s Final Corridor Plan with the Preferred Alternative.



August 27, 2008

Three Mile River Watershed - Designated as an 'Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)'

Good news on the environmental front.
Also on our campaign to drop all Attleboro Alternatives for the South Coast Rail Project.

The existing CSX freight track (Attleboro Secondary), that would have to be totally reconstructed for commuter trains to New Bedford & Fall River, runs through the Three Mile River Watershed in Norton and Taunton. This means that the use of the Attleboro Route would impact two ACECs.

The other Area of Critical Environmental Concern - the 'Fowl Meadow/Ponkapoag Bog ACEC' would be impacted due to the necessary construction of a new third track through Canton, Westwood, Dedham & the Readville section of Boston. This adddition of a third rail occurs only with two of the Attleboro Alternatives. It would not be needed for the Stoughton Alternative,which would extend the service of existing trains already running through this area.

At their January 22, 2008 meeting, the Attleboro Municipal Council approved a Resolution to: Oppose the Attleboro Option For The Commuter Rail Extension From Boston to Taunton and Fall River/New Bedford. The resolution passed by a unanimous vote.

POSITION OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

Opposes The Attleboro Option Opposes The Attleboro Option And Endorses The Original Stoughton Route Other

State Representative Robert Koczera - “I have been previously supportive of the Stoughton Alternative as the best rail route from the cities of New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton to Boston. This alternative route is the most advantageous with stops at Back Bay and South Station, and was designated as the preferred route during the previous attempt to expand rail service to these three cities. I expect the Stoughton Alternative will be found to be the preferred route at the conclusion of the current process.”

SIGN UPDATE

Old Man Winter has not been kind.
If you have a yard sign, CCATS would appreciate your assistance in trying to maintain it, which means if the location is roadside, perhaps removing it before a major storm, or setting it right after the snow has melted.
If lost or damaged, call Heather Graf for a replacement. @ (508) 226 – 0898

Donations to help cover the cost of signs are appreciated.

RESOURCES

Norton Public Library is the repository for all train related materials, including a binder with news articles from 2007 through 2009.
Reference Librarian Jane Michelmore can assist you.
Library hours are: Mon. Tue. & Thurs. 10 a.m.- 7p.m., Wed. 10a.m. - 1 p.m., Closed Friday through Sunday.

SUPPORT

CCATS is looking for new members in Attleboro, Mansfield, Norton & Taunton. Please let us know who you are – See Support Page
We will also be adding names of Elected Officials who have publicly stated opposition to the Attleboro Alternative for the South Coast Rail.