Erie County is in a unique position in the dramatic possibilities offered by the development of high-speed rail offered by the federal Infrastructure Bill. Erie is a natural connection between New York, Chicago and cities, south. High-speed rail development has the potential to change the way people get to work and where they decide to live. Erie County, with its beautiful environs and low cost of living could easily fit the life of someone working in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia.
Erie’s geographical relevance in the development of high-speed rail is reminiscent of its place in the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Erie resident and Superintendent of Rails for Erie and North East Railroad John Tracy resisted local pressure in 1853 to have different rail gages that would force the cargo to unload in Erie. His decision to standardize rail gauges allowed for the continuous rail line, which ultimately reached the Pacific Ocean. He is one of the fathers of American railway system.
County Council Chairman Carl Anderson III announced yesterday, the formation of the County Council High-Speed Transportation Forward Committee. The Committee will pursue high-speed rail opportunities that now present themselves in the wake of the Federal Government likely allocation the allocation $66 Billion in the Infrastructure Bill to invest in the nation’s passenger rail system. The funding is 50 times the $1.5 billion, placed in the annual budget. Carl Anderson III “This chance may not come again in our lifetime. The presence of WABTEC in our community creates further opportunities for new jobs and economic stimulation from high-speed rail. WABTEC’s newest development is the FLXdrive, a battery electric freight locomotive. Such innovation means fuel savings, reduced emissions and the strong presence of WABTEC in the high-speed market place”.
Erie County is fortunate to have All Aboard Erie to assist the effort. They lead the Lakeshore Rail Alliance, a multi-state coalition of seven passenger rail organizations that will use their collective voice to push for better mobility along the Lake Shore Corridor between Chicago and New York City.
Serving on the Committee with Mr. Anderson is District 5 Councilman Scott Rastetter who will serve as Chair. Joining them will be Mary Rennie, District 3, and Council Vice-Chairwoman Kim Clear from District 1. Carl Anderson III: “I can’t think of a better person than Scott Rastetter, to lead this Committee forward. This Committee’s work and that of our community partners and Local Representatives will lead Erie forward in the possibilities and opportunities of high-speed rail.”
The Committee will report out its findings to the rest of Council and the Community. Anderson made the announcement this evening at the Harborcreek Township building during Council’s “On the Road” Regular meeting.
