A new website was launched today by the New England Rail Coalition (NERC). The group is a broad-based alliance of over 40 organizations- including Conservation New Hampshire and several other state based organizations -  that recognize the importance of substantially reinvesting in passenger and freight rail in order to enhance New England’s economy, environment, and quality of life. The NERC Steering Committee is being chaired Tom Irwin, Vice President and NH Advocacy Center Director at the Conservation Law Foundation.

Support for expanded rail service is growing in the state as advocates and public officials have been working hard to promote Amtrak’s Downeaster service, and bring back passenger rail to Nashua, Manchester and Concord.

In 2007, legislation passed which created the Rail Transit Authority which is actively overseeing the development of passenger rail in New Hampshire. In addition, the Governor’s Climate Change Task Force recommended in their Action Plan that investing in passenger and freight rail service is a key strategy to decrease vehicle miles traveled, develop more sustainable land use patterns, and decrease carbon emissions.

NERC’s vision is a New England rail system that:

• Better connects the New England states with one another, with other regions, and with Canada
• Serves as an engine for sustainable economic growth
• Builds vibrant, walkable, transit-oriented cities and towns
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, and reliance on foreign oil
• Provides greater transportation choice for people and goods.

These are ambitious goals and we are excited about working with our New England colleagues to help build a vibrant and sustainable New Hampshire transportation system which includes both passenger and freight rail.  While the day when we can board a train in downtown Nashua or Manchester for a commuter trip to Boston may be years away, the on the ground planning and advocacy work is being done now – so get involved!

All aboard.