MIAMI VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION BOARD OF ...

I. INTRODUCTIONS
Chair Widener called the meeting to order. Self-introductions were made.
II. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 4, 2005 MEETING MINUTES
Ms. Young stated she was present but was not listed. Mr. Curran made a motion to approve the
minutes as corrected. Mr. Patterson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON ACTION ITEMS
None
IV. INFORMATION ITEMS
A. Presentation: Ohio & Lake Erie Regional Rail Ohio Hub Study
Marie Kiester from Engage shared research information that she compiled on the visioning
process. She explained that that the major concerns she heard repeatedly throughout the
process were mobility and congestion. Ms. Kiester then introduced Mr. Don Seney from the
Ohio Rail Development Commission.
Mr. Seney stated that this study has been going on for about three years. He explained how
increasing truck and freight traffic, combined with the lack of increased transportation capacity,
results in an immobile economy due to increased congestion. Mr. Seney reviewed the ways in
which trains move goods and people more efficiently. He then explained the components of the
Ohio Hub rail passenger plan, which includes 860 miles rail track, 32 rail passenger stations, 4
states and Southern Ontario, and 11 major metro areas. Mr. Seney also reviewed various maps
that illustrated the interconnected rail network and presented statistics about a frequent,
competitive service for passengers. He also explained how the capital costs are comparable to
other transportation investments. Mr. Seney closed by stating that funding for a proposed
economic feasibility analysis study is currently before the controlling board for authorization.
B. Executive Director’s Update
Mr. Robinette reported that the legislature in Washington recently completed the 2005 Omnibus
Bill that included about $6 million in earmarks for Miami Valley transportation projects. He said
that he particularly wanted to acknowledge the partnership between MVRPC and the Dayton
Chamber of Commerce, who now have been working together for several years to advance
regional projects on a Federal level. He also expressed his thanks to the local Congressional
delegation for their support on these projects. Mr. Robinette explained that, later in the meeting,
staff would be requesting authorization to submit the recommended 2006 funding priorities, as
well as resubmitting some funding requests, under the Transportation Act reauthorization that
was extended through the end of May.