Gas industry spurs renewed rail project interest
Published: February 3, 2010
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share thisThe need for a rail transload facility in the New Milford area is getting a fresh look and an updated study largely in part to the developing natural gas industry in the county.
Tony Ventello, executive director of the Central Bradford Progress Authority, told the Susquehanna County Economic Development Board OnTrack America will provide a market assessment on the project for $6,000.
CBPA handles the day-to-day economic development activities for Susquehanna County.
The cost of the study will be paid by CBPA through Regional Investment Marketing grant funds the group was awarded last year.
OnTrack America’s proposal states that it will assess the short and long-range likelihood of continued development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas in the county.
It will also look at the need for Marcellus Shale transportation-support services in the New Milford area.
Railroad Authority chair Ken Bondurant said older studies had narrowed down possible sites within the county to one area.
The economic development board recommended the commissioners proceed with an endorsement of this program. Ventello said the commissioners were supportive of the study.
The board also adopted a memorandum of understanding between the county, the economic development committee, CBPA and the Susquehanna County Railroad Authority.
The memorandum notes the Railroad Authority is not required to construct the transload facility but has the sole right to determine whether to proceed with the construction of such a facility.
Bondurant said, “It makes sense to us to go back as a team effort to determine the needs.”
Ventello said CBPA is still trying to secure funding for a proposed, analytical economic study of the gas industry in the region.
“It will help everyone understand the true impacts of the industry,” said Ventello.
The study can’t be done on a singular county basis because the natural gas activity is too overlapping, according to Ventello. Plus, a data set exists from a Penn College workforce study completed last year that encompasses Susquehanna, Wyoming, Bradford, Tioga and Sullivan counties.
Brian Driscoll, CBPA countywide economic development manager, added that the proposed study would also add in some of the potential costs to society, such as the impact of the potential increased school and prison populations.
Ventello said, “If we’re going to be active with the industry, we need to harness the impacts.”
Board meeting dates for the year were set for the fourth Thursday of every month at 10 a.m., with the exception of December. No meeting will be held in November, the board will meet instead on Dec. 9. All meetings are held in the downstairs conference room of the county office building with the exception of the March 25 and the Oct. 28 meetings. They will be held in the upstairs conference room.
