From the yahoo groups:

Apologies to Rod and Allen for not asking permission, but this
is too unbelievable to not let railfans know what is happening.


It looks like SMART is the latest delay to the FRA inspection. Can't start operations without getting E.O. 21 lifted and can't get that without a FRA inspection and SMART won't agree to getting the inspection done. FRA won't do an inspection without SMART on board.

Rod D. Whitney
Willits Yardmaster
Willits, Ca.

NWP 139.5
CR&R 0.00



From: Allen Tacy
To: “NWPRRfan“




At the SMART Operations Committee meeting this afternoon negotiations with NCRA for a new operating agreement were described by one Director, Charles McGlashan, as "potentially headed for a train wreck." Other directors present appeared to concur with this assessment. They unanimously indicated support for NCRA freight service, but felt that despite many meetings over two years there is a wide gap in communications between the parties. SMART has requested NCRA staff and Board members, and NWP Co., attend the SMART Board meeting October 20 in a last ditch effort to resolve outstanding questions and issues.



While confidentiality prohibited SMART from discussing those issues this afternoon, a SMART staff report about them will be presented at the October 20 meeting. Staff presented the following information as background:
• While there is a 1996 operating agreement in effect, it provides that should there be a change in the freight operator (then NWPY), SMART has authority to approve any change in operators (to NWP Co.).
• FRA requires a joint application from NCRA, NWP Co., and SMART to lift the 2001 EO21 restraining order against freight service. FRA will not inspect until it receives one.
• The question of SMART joining such an application will be considered at the SMART October 20 Board meeting. From comments this afternoon NCRA/NWP Co. have a heavy load to lift. SMART wants the operating agreement approved first. They say there has been virtually no movement toward agreement since a joint meeting last May.


Expect a press report from Bob Norberg of the Press Democrat, who attended the committee meeting.




Allen