June 9, 1999

Richard James
Stephen Lanset
Mia Scanga
Hudson Alliance for Rational Transportation
89 Mercer Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302

Dear Mr. James, Mr. Lanset and Ms. Scanga:

Commissioner Weinstein has asked me to reply to your letter concerning the Bergen Arches. We will be structuring our study of this abandoned railroad right-of-way in order to determine what reasonable alternatives could be developed that would allow more people to come into the waterfront area to work, shop or be entertained while not causing conditions to deteriorate. This will include a comprehensive assessment of public transportation initiatives.

The Bergen Arches Study will be conducted in accordance with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority's (NJTPA) Procedures for Operational Congestion Management System: Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) Capacity Increase Studies- adopted January 12, 1998. These are the procedures which will be utilized in this study to document the way in which the requirements for programming federal funds for projects that increase SOV carrying capacity in the North Jersey nonattainment area are to be met.

At this point, we do not know what is possible and what is not. This is the primary reason for conducting the study at this time. Please be assured that ample opportunity will be given throughout the course of this effort for everyone to make their views known, and to have their comments and suggestions be given serious consideration.

Thank you for your very thoughtful letter.

Sincerely,

Pippa Woods, Assistant Commissioner
Planning, Research and Local Government Services