by Paul Mangelsdorf, Board Member
<PaulM@TexasRailAdvocates.org>

On March 15th Paul, John and Taylor met with Jim Repass, President and C.E.O. of the National Corridor Imitative. Jim is the newest TRA advisory board member. His presence on the board will prove valuable in areas such as the National Amtrak System and high-speed rail corridor developments in Texas and across the country. Jim is working to bring the rail transportation issue (both freight and passenger) to the attention of the national press. He will work with TRA as it brings the rail option to the attention of the media across Texas. On February 23rd a meeting was held at Dave Dunnigan's office to discuss the goals that TRA wants to accomplish in 2002. These goals are the following:

• Establish a RAIL division at Tex-DOT.
• Advance the development of the South Central High Speed Rail Corridor.
• Contribute ideas to the development of the Trans Texas Corridor Plan.
• Increase membership among the users of rail freight services as well as the general public.
• Introduce the organization to the class one and short line carriers.
• Consider developing relationships with intermodal transportation agencies.

Audrey and Louis Karoel with Jim Repass eating dinner on March 15th at the Fort Worth TRA meeting.