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abandoning the rail line, and that 1t would first need to be offered to be taken over by other entitles. <br /> Nit-. Cannon was unsure of the formal process, adding that the rail was an active line unlike other lines <br /> converted to a bike path. Mr. Segura referenced Mr. Pea.rson's railroad experience and previous <br /> statements that indicated it would be up to the Federal Service Transportation Board to make the final <br /> decision. Mr. Segura inquired about a potential to relocate the track and Mr. Cannon responded that a <br /> former engineer had suggested the possibility of placing the track on the east side of MacArthur <br /> Boulevard. Mr. Cannon emphasized the support and interest he had experienced in extending the <br /> bike trail, <br /> Mr. Goddard inquired whether the Cape Cod Commission would take on the role of champion and Mr. <br /> Cannon responded that they were a.regional planning agency that would take a project to a certain <br /> point and thea step aside, presenting the information to the town. Mr. Goddard suggested that <br /> interested individuals reach out to MassD OT as a possible regional linkage to access additional <br /> resources. Isar. Cannon agreed that the bilk path could be incorporated into the plans and study that <br /> were being considered to replace the bridges. <br /> Mr. Jack read the study report and stated that an option to relocate the rail without the cost impacts <br /> should not appear in the report without quantification and qualification, as was done with the bike path <br /> options. Mr. Jack added that economic, social and political issues were at stake and that the ultimate <br /> solution should be a vrinlin for everyone. regarding potential financing for construction, TIP funds <br /> should not be used since they were intended for all the communities on Cape and the Chair agreed that <br /> the 10 trillion regional funds for road projects should not be used for the bike path. Mr. Cannon <br /> stated that certain State funding categories were available that could be considered, such as clean air. <br /> Mr. Cavossa inquired whether studies had been completed regarding impacts to property owners <br /> serviced by the rail and Mr. Cannon responded that there had not been studies, adding that studies had <br /> shown that property values along bike trails increased. Mr. Cavossa indicated that property owners <br /> may have purchased their property due to the potential for rail access. <br /> Iaylene Jablecki from Massoasta.l stated that the rail line had not been abandoned and was in active <br /> use by the Cape Cod Central dinner train. Ms. Jablecki added that 3 million had been allocated by the <br /> State for improvements to the North Falmouth trach to be used by 2021. ll ass oastal would be <br /> performing some of the improvements. <br /> Iden Cheitlin of the Bourne Rail Trail expressed his concern that the awarding of the contract would <br /> preclude the fastest and cheapest option for the bike trail, Mr. h-eitlin suggested that the Board step <br /> back so that there was an opportunity to evaluate all of the options to make the rail trail happen. once <br /> awarded, the option to develop the rail into a trail would no longer be viable. Mr. Cheitlin stated that <br /> today, there was not discussion regarding use of the rail as vital to their operation. Mr. Cheitlin asked <br /> that the four member towns have the process step back while the various rail to trail options were being <br /> discussed. Mr, Cheitlin added that the Bourne bail Frail membership collected over 220 signatures of <br /> people asking the Board of Managers to hold the process in abeyance while options were being <br /> considered, adding that the evaluation of options should take precedence. <br /> Pat Johnson of Falmouth stated that the relocation of the rail to the right of way at MacArthur <br /> Boulevard would provide a in/ in alternative. Ms. Johnson also emphasized the need for a very good <br /> trash option with rail available, suggesting that the current UCRTS site would be a beautiful option for <br /> a bike trail. Mr. Goddard explained protections by Massachusetts, sensitive habitat, water supply and <br /> 6 <br />