Communities can change development patterns for the better; an improved energy grid is an important component of high-speed rail; and incremental "fast rail" is attainable in the near future in New York, according to state and national leaders addressing a symposium in Cazenovia on Friday.
Amtrak's president, two area congressman, and the New York State Comptroller joined a panel of state and Federal experts in the Smart Growth and energy reform movements who addressed Cazenovia College's 5th annual Energy Symposium, which drew nearly 300 people to the sports complex on the campus.
Rome native Joseph Boardman, now Amtrak's president and a former state transportation commissioner, praised President Barack Obama's announcement at the White House the day before of an $8 billion plan to begin a high-speed rail effort that could eventually operate in 10 corridors around the nation, including New York City to Buffalo.
For coverage of the symposium story in the Post Standard, go to:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/amtrak_chief_supports_fast_tra.html
The New York Times coverage of the High-Speed Rail story from Washington:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/us/politics/17train.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Obama%20Seeks%20High-Speed%20Rail%20System%20Across%20U.S.&st=cse
