Long Bridge Project
Legislators seek transfer of federal park land for Long Bridge project
Virginia’s Congressional delegation is attempting to get a small section of National Park Service land transferred for use in the Long Bridge project that is an essential part of the state’s plan to ease rail congestion, with the state’s senators considering a move to include the land transfer in the pending COVID-19 relief package. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the 4 acres are needed for the plan to build a second span across the Potomac River, a key feature of the agreement announced by the state, CSX Transportation, and Amtrak to open the door for significantly increased rail service [see “Virginia, CSX announce major rail infrastructure plan,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 20, 2019]. The environmental report for the bridge project has been approved in September.
Jefferson City, Mo., could lose Amtrak station unless it finds new temporary site
Jefferson City, Mo., is likely to relocate or remove its temporary Amtrak station by the end of the month after being notified by a state agency that the current facility cannot remain in place. The News Tribune reports the station has been in a trailer at the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site since the prior site, in the lower floor of the city’s Union Hotel, was closed in October 2019 since a structural assessment determined the building was not habitable. But the state Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction has informed the city the trailer needs to be moved from the state-owned lot by Dec. 28. The city has proposed moving the trailer to nearby city-owned land, saying the only other option is to eliminate the station. But that site would block one of the entrances to the state historic site, and the state indicated it would sue if the city proceeded. A city council committee has voted to request a 180-day extension to seek another solution.
OmniTrax, Stockton Terminal & Eastern fund 100,000 meals through food bank
OmniTRAX and the Stockton Terminal & Eastern Railroad are funding 100,000 meals through Central California’s Second Harvest Food Bank, part of a continuing series of holiday-season charitable actions by the short line company and its affiliates. The food bank distributes food to hose in need in eight counties, including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, and the Mother Lode. “Food insecurity is a chronic problem that has strained our limited resources under these circumstances,” said Second Harvest Food Bank Director of Development Jessica Vaughan. “We are thankful for this generous pledge to empower us to serve the Central Valley’s growing food need.”
