North Shore Connector-statement-Walsh

====Broadcast Reply====
: Source: Glenn Walsh on July 5, 2006
To Editorial of KQV President & GM Robert W. Dickey
==North Shore Connector Extension Project==
I wish to reply to Bob Dickey's most recent editorial regarding the "North Shore Connector" rapid transit project.
The continual escalation of costs for the North Shore Connector is something experienced in most major public works projects. I agree that this is something that should have been anticipated, by the Port Authority providing a more realistic cost projection at the beginning of the project.
However, the recent sharp increase in fuel costs, which is driving the higher project cost, was unexpected when the project was first planned. Like many of us, the Port Authority must deal with the higher fuel costs as best it can.
And, the Port Authority did responsibly deal with this cost escalation when it deferred the proposed segment of the North Shore Connector that would have served the David Lawrence Convention Center.
The Port Authority could responsibly deal with this second cost escalation in the same way, by deferring construction of the “Allegheny Station,” one of the two transit stations planned for the North Side. The other station, the “North Side Station,” would be located about half-way between PNC Park and Heinz Field, providing adequate coverage for both sports venues.
Also, the North Side Station would provide reasonable pedestrian access to the Community College of Allegheny County, Allegheny Center, and The Carnegie Science Center.
It is important to expand the light rail system so that, eventually, it serves most of the residents of the Pittsburgh region. A link to the North Side is an important first step in achieving this goal.
To ensure that there are no more cost escalations in the primary contract, the Port Authority must accept this contract by July 15.
I urge the Port Authority of Allegheny County to accept the primary contract by July 15 and defer construction of the Allegheny Station, so the core project is built within the funding presently available.
category:Planks_from_elsewhere