PITTSBURGH – Supporters of the proposed Alle-Kiski Valley commuter train say it is urgent that the stalled rail line get on track now. Members of the newly formed Allegheny River Transportation Initiative on Thursday told regional business leaders that their support is needed now more than ever for the proposed passenger train connecting Arnold to Pittsburgh. The nonprofit organization, an outgrowth of the New Kensington and Arnold Weed and Seed economic development program, believes there are several factors working in the train’s favor. First, they believe the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission will be releasing a report soon that will list the train as one of the top transportation projects that could alleviate regional commuter traffic. No one with the SPC was available to confirm that development yesterday night. Second, advocates said they have been promised by state Reps. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, and Thomas Tangretti, D-Greensburg, that money will be available in the state’s budget next year for a needed pre-engineering study. A representative from Dermody’s office confirmed the money is earmarked, although he couldn’t say how much will be set aside. Ed Patton, a transportation engineer from Plum who is involved with the initiative, said the study will cost $500,000 to $1 million. Patton said the study will iron out the details, including track alignment, projected passengers, parking, train stops and cost. Depending on the whether the source of financial statistics was a supporter or an opponent, the cost of the train has been estimated at from $20 million to $120 million. The passenger train likely would use track owned by the Allegheny Valley Railroad, a 10-year-old Verona-based, short-line railroad that ships freight. Railroad owner Russell Peterson wasn’t present at the meeting yesterday, but said earlier this week he continues to support a passenger train for his rail lines. However, Patton said he is worried that if the commuter train proposal continues to linger without results, Peterson will shift his focus to increasing daylight cargo trains that will prevent passengers from using the tracks. The Allegheny Valley Railroad freight cars currently operate only at night. Patton noted that Peterson continues to improve his tracks, including a planned $2.4 million upgrade that will be partially funded through state grants awarded this week. “We need to act before Russ decides to have full-day freight,” Patton said. Patton, along with New Kensington dentist and initiative member Dr. Michael Contes and former Allegheny County Councilman Rick Schwartz, of Plum, said they also need to make sure the money for the study is not shifted to another project. That’s why they hastily pulled together yesterday’s meeting at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Contes said. He noted that several local, county and state officials did not attend, but he said he was thankful to see representatives from chambers of commerce in Lawrenceville and the Strip District as well as those from Alle-Kiski Valley communities. Since the train also would benefit residents and business owners in and near Pittsburgh, Patton said they’re hoping people from those communities will add their voices to those already advocating for the train. Arnold/New Kensington Weed and Seed coordinator Sharon Resek said a flood of e-mails, petitions and phone calls to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and elected officials is what has helped the train come this far. She urged the southern river communities to encourage their residents and businesses to start lobbying for the project. Many of the questions asked at yesterday’s meeting, including who would own, operate and pay for the train, likely will be answered in the study, Patton said. He estimated the study would take two years to complete. Schwartz noted that if supporters act quickly, the train could become a reality before PennDOT begins a major reconstruction of Route 28 into Pittsburgh, expected to start in 2009. Not only would commuters be able to use the train during construction, but they might be convinced to ride the train instead of drive Route 28 even after the roadwork is finished, Schwartz said. “A passenger train along the river would be a great opportunity for all the towns,” Contes said. “It’s a testament to this project that it refuses to die.”

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