Greater Valley Forge TMA Executive Director Rob Henry providing supportive testimony for KOP Rail Project
This week SEPTA is holding public hearings on the Environmental Impact Study for the Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line extension from King of Prussia to the Valley Forge Casino. The Bicycle Coalition attended one of those meetings on Monday and testified on better bike access to the stations and bike racks on new rail cars, as well safe bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Chester Valley Trail and Valley Forge National Historic Park.
Monday evening’s meeting at the DoubleTree Valley Forge saw a fair amount of opposition to the project as a whole. SEPTA runs a tight ship at these public hearings. Most notable is their ever present commentary countdown clock. Three minutes for organizations, two minutes for individuals. Most of the speakers in opposition lived in Valley Forge Homes, a residential area adjacent to the PA Turnpike where the alignment comes very close to their backyards.
But supporters were there too. Local business associations and a few residents spoke out in favor of the rail line, even though the room was silent afterwards. Our supporting comments were unique as they supported the rail line and generated a light applause. Three other speakers including two opponents spoke out in favor of trails.
You can still submit comments on the project anytime at KingOfPrussiaRail.com.
Testimony NHSL KOP Bike Access by bcgp on Scribd