The Jefferson Educational Society will feature two lectures on the proposed Erie Intermodal Rail Terminal in Harborcreek. This rail terminal is being developed by DevelopErie and private investor-operators to provide new rail service to the Erie region, and has been an issue of much talk and debate in the community.
Both sides of the argument will be examined in the Jefferson Educational Society's 2014 Spring Term.
Erie Intermodal Rail Terminal Lecture Series
John Elliott, P.E.
On Track for Growth and Jobs: Why an Erie Intermodal Rail Terminal?
Thursday, May 15, 2014
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
$10 per person; $15 with a guest
Lecture Description: This presentation will be a step-by-step primer on the Erie Intermodal Rail Terminal. Mr. Elliott will answer important questions such as “How did we get to this point?” and “What does the opportunity mean to our community?” He will explain the public-private partnership that has attracted major investment and the attention of CSX Intermodal. Mr. Elliott will walk through the site selection process and criteria and will describe how the project benefits taxpayers, business and the environment.
About the Speaker: Mr. John Elliott presently serves as President/CEO of DevelopErie and its seven affiliated organizations. Under Mr. Elliott’s leadership, DevelopErie has launched a comprehensive and multifaceted effort to grow the region’s logistics and shipping industry known as the Erie Inland Port initiative. By improving access to the region’s rail and water transportation, it is possible to reduce transportation time and cost, which in turn reduces prices for consumers and producers, making Erie a more effective competitor in the world market. Projects under this initiative include enhancement of two Lake Erie Ports, development of an intermodal rail terminal, development of rail and port served industrial sites, and creation of the Erie Shippers Association.
Ken Springirth, B.S.
Proposed Harborcreek Intermodal Rail Terminal – A Blueprint for Disaster
Monday, May 19, 2014
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
$10 per person; $15 with a guest
Lecture Description: Intermodal reight transportation – if in the right location and properly planned - can represent a new vision in transportation, replacing the traditional individual mode approach. This presentation, however, will argue why Harborcreek Township is the wrong location for the proposed Erie Intermodal Rail Terminal. Ken will focus on the serious deficiencies of the project, including truck traffic congestion and accidents for Walbridge Road and other roads in Harborcreek Township used to reach Interstate 90; safety issues for two Harborcreek public schools; and the adverse impact on air quality in the residential areas along the planned routes.
About the Speaker: Ken Springirth is a graduate of Drexel Institute of Technology (today Drexel University) with a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a retired Harborcreek Township Supervisor. Ken is the author of 21 books on railroads and light rail systems, and over the last 50 years has been on a mission to document the region's amazing rail heritage. Expressing thanks for the hard work residents have contributed to make Harborcreek Township a great place to live in, Ken is grateful for the opportunity to provide the results of his research on the proposed Harborcreek Intermodal Rail Terminal.
For more information on this lecture series - or the 2014 JES Spring Term - please call the Jefferson Educational Society at 814-459-8000. View the full Spring Schedule by CLICKING HERE.
