SENATOR CRAIG JOHNSON OPPOSES THIRD TRACK

Wednesday, August 22, 2007
(TAKEN FROM SEN. JOHNSON'S WEBSITE - http://www.nyssenate7.com/ )

"There has been a lot of chatter lately regarding the MTA's proposed Third Track expansion. I feel it is important to reiterate my opposition to this project. I am against Third Track and will continue to oppose Third Track until the MTA presents a clear plan to the community that is approved by residents, civic organizations, and local officials. As it stands, I have grave concerns about the current proposal and the disastrous effect it will have on the quality of life in many of the communities it will touch. This has always been my stance, contrary to rumors and innuendo that has been manufactured by those who put politics ahead of the needs of our communities. Since taking office, I have worked closely with the New Hyde Park Save Our Village Association to make sure that the voices of opposition to this project are not ignored. I agree with their stance that this is a regional issue, not just a Nassau issue. To that end, I prevailed in securing an extra 61 days for public comment on a Kings Park plan that would make it easier to transport freight from tractor trailers to our rail system. This project, coupled with the Third Track, could severely and negatively alter the quality of life for residents in Bellerose, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Garden City, Carle Place, Mineola, Hicksville and the surrounding communities. Despite this impact, many residents in our communities were not alerted to this project's significance. With this additional time for public comments, which will last until Sept. 24, we have been able to get the word out and provide the opportunity for every voice to be heard. I have also met with MTA officials to express my own opposition, as well as the opposition of many of our residents. This is an issue that trumps political affiliation and all the other philosophical differences that keep us apart. If we all stand together, I believe we will have the strength to maintain the quality of life that we treasure and want to preserve for our children and our children's children."
Note: More details about the Long Island Truck – Rail Inter Modal Facility in Kings Park can be found at my Web site http://www.nyssenate7.com/, or at http://www.longislandintermodal.com/.

Sen. Johnson Secures Public Comment Extension on Freight-Rail Project

Kings Park Proposal to Have Real Impact on Third Track

Wednesday, August 22, 2007
(taken from Senator Johnson's website at http://www.nyssenate7.com/ )

Senator Craig M. Johnson announces that the public comment period for a freight-rail project that has implications on the MTA's controversial Third Track Expansion has been extended. Residents will now have until Sept. 24 to issue their written comments on the Long Island Truck – Rail Inter Modal Facility at the former Pilgrim State Hospital site in Kings Park. This project, which is under review by the state Department of Transportation, will make it easier to transfer freight from tractor trailers to rail beds.This facility is one of several integrated rail expansion proposals for the region, which also includes the Third Track. If both projects are approved, it could result in more rail traffic in the mainline corridor and have a direct impact the quality of life in Bellerose, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Garden City, Carle Place, Mineola, Hicksville, and the surrounding communities, Senator Johnson said. “What happens at Kings Park can very well affect what happens in our own back yard,” Senator Johnson said. “It is of the utmost importance that everyone have the opportunity to have their voices heard.” The cutoff for public input was initially supposed to be July 24. Fearing that many Nassau County residents were not informed of the potential ramifications of this project, members of the New Hyde Park Save Our Village Association reached out to Senator Johnson and asked for his assistance in extending the time frame. Senator Johnson contacted the state DOT and was able to secure a 61-day extension. “I thank DOT officials for working with us and providing this extra time to make sure that our residents are provided the information and the opportunity to become involved in the process,” Johnson said. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Inter Modal Facility is available online at: http://www.longislandintermodal.com/.
Comments can be mailed to:
The LITRIM Project Team, NYS Department of Transportation, Region 10, Long Island 250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Project Identification Number: 0339.12 and 0339.13
They can also be e-mailed to longislandintermodal@jacplanning.com.