Rail to Redlands Working Group Holds its Fifth Meeting (Includes Video)

On July 24, the Rail to Redlands Working Group held its fifth meeting in a continued effort to bring awareness and build public support for the Redlands Passenger Rail Line project. Committee members heard a special presentation from the Deputy Executive Director John Standiford of the Riverside County Transit Commission and the lessons they have learned during the expansion of their Perris Valley line. “I wish we had formed a working group like this one before we started our expansion,” stated Standiford. “Finding champions such as you have found in ESRI founder Jack Dangermond is crucial in being successful with such a major infrastructure expansion.” Mitch Alderman, director of Transit/Rail Programs at SANBAG, provided an update on the status of the rail project. In the upcoming months, public hearings will be conducted on the Environmental Impact Statement and the Environmental Impact Report where public comment will be requested. As always, members of the public were able to provide comments and ask questions at the end of the meeting. Ryan Berk, founder of A La Minute in Redlands, was present at the meeting where he offered support for this project. “As local business owners, I feel it is our job to beautify the city of Redlands and bring a sense of uniqueness to attract visitors to our downtown area. I am very much in support of this project and what it will do for our local economy.” The next Rail to Redlands Working Group meeting will be held on Nov. 13, location TBD. To contact the Rail to Redlands Working Group, please send an email to rail2redlandsworkinggroup@gmail.com. The working group also viewed a short video clip from Mr. Dangermond where he expressed his strong support of the Redlands Passenger Rail Line. http://youtu.be/1PPrhTxpH1s