Delaware Valley Goods Movement Task Force

10:00 am - 12:00 pm, October 9, 2019

Coffee will be available at 9:30 A.M. and lunch will be served following the meeting.

Commission Office
The ACP Building - 8th Floor
190 N. Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA

For directions Call (215) 592-1800
Please Use Sixth Street Entrance

1. Call to Order

Task Force members and friends will be welcomed and recognized. Highlights from the previous freight advisory committee meetings on July 10, 2019 will be offered for approval.

2. Implementing New Jersey’s Statewide Freight Plan

In 2017, NJDOT completed its most current Statewide Freight Plan, documenting the importance that the goods movement industry has in the Garden State and its reliance on the state’s transportation infrastructure. Over the last 18 months, the department has been working on several initiatives to implement many of the findings and outcomes of the plan. Stephen Chiaramonte, WSP USA, will provide a summary of these initiatives, including those most relevant to the Delaware Valley.

3. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry in the United States and works to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving commercial carriers. Timothy Cotter, Pennsylvania Division Administrator with the FMCSA will provide an overview of the agency, its approach to improving safety, and update the committee on regulatory changes.

4. Rail Freight and the Commonwealth's Economy

Steve Panko of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports, and Waterways will provide an overview of the Rail Freight and the Commonwealth's Economy study. This study explored the effectiveness of rail assistance programs, the economic competitiveness of Pennsylvania rail freight, and explored opportunities to strengthen the system.

5. PES: A City of Philadelphia Perspective

The closure of the refinery complex owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions is a critical development for the city and region. Chris Rupe, Chief of Staff in the Managing Director's Office at the City of Philadelphia will provide an overview of the steps the City is taking in response to the shutdown, highlighting the role and limits of the City in the process and the work of the Refinery Advisory Committee.

6. Two-minute Reports

Task Force and Subcommittee chairs and Task Force members and friends are invited to offer updates on the activities of their companies and agencies.

7. Old or New Business/Adjournment

Old or new items of business will be considered. The remaining 2020 meeting dates of the Delaware Valley Goods Movement Task Force are:

Wednesday, January 8
Wednesday, April 8
Wednesday, July 8
Wednesday, October 7

Title VI Statement

In effect as of January 30, 2025

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, all programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or income level, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related nondiscrimination mandates.

DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. DVRPC’s public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities and in transit-accessible locations whenever possible. DVRPC will work to accommodate all reasonable requests for translation, interpretation, accommodations or other auxiliary services and encourages that requests be made at least seven days prior to a public meeting. Requests can be made by contacting the Commission’s ADA and Title VI Compliance Officer Shoshana Akins via email at public_affairs@dvrpc.org, calling (215) 592-1800, or while registering for an upcoming meeting.

Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by DVRPC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and filed with DVRPC's ADA and Title VI Compliance Officer Shoshana Akins and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. Complaints that a program, service, or activity of DVRPC is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to Shoshana Akins as well. For more information on DVRPC's Title VI program or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please visit: www.dvrpc.org/GetInvolved/TitleVI, call (215) 592-1800, or email public_affairs@dvrpc.org.