10-29-2007, 06:12 AM
Rob, I have no problem with the concept of rail transit. I rode MARTA trains to work daily in Atlanta for years and I would love to have that option here. Unfortunately our population density and financial resources are a big limiting factor. Assuming a very low-ball cost of $15M per mile, a rail system that served most parts of the island would cost somewhere between $2 and $3 BILLION. With luck and far more effective lobbying for funds than we have ever accomplished, we might get the Feds to pay half of it. (I'm being really generous here when you remember we would be in line behind Honolulu and any number of medium sized mainland cities.) So where do we get the other $1 to $1.5 billion?
I don't want to rain on anybody's parade, and I do believe in pursuing community dreams. I just think it is more practical to start with the affordable and attainable. And for what it's worth, I really like your Puna Parkway proposal. It's better than a lot of other plans.
Cheerfully contrary to most Punawebbers on this issue,
Jerry
Edited by - JerryCarr on 10/29/2007 10:15:58
I don't want to rain on anybody's parade, and I do believe in pursuing community dreams. I just think it is more practical to start with the affordable and attainable. And for what it's worth, I really like your Puna Parkway proposal. It's better than a lot of other plans.
Cheerfully contrary to most Punawebbers on this issue,
Jerry
Edited by - JerryCarr on 10/29/2007 10:15:58