Hope residents seek railroad quiet zone

HOPE — A group of Hope residents just wants a little peace and quiet.

The residents, who have been exploring the creation of a "railroad quiet zone," have organized a public meeting on the issue. The program, set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15, will feature a presentation by Federal Railroad Administration regional representative, Deborah Wojnicz on creation of a quiet zone in which train whistles do not blow.

The Hope area citizens have been exploring the possibility of establishing such a quiet zone at the Centennial Boulevard crossing in East Hope for several months, said member and spokesperson Barbara Carpenter is a member and spokesperson.

Other members include Jerry Clemons, Bonner County commissioner; Carol Deaner, Memorial Community Center Board president; District 1 state Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover; Hope Mayor Larry Keith; Ray Lucky, East Hope council president; East Hope Mayor Bud Moon; and Fran Schuck, East Hope Council member.

The citizens group met with Wojnicz in mid-June and heard the presentation which will be presented to the public next week. In addition, the group organized an informal diagnostic conducted at the railroad crossing with FRA, Montana Rail Link and Idaho Transportation Department representatives. This diagnostic meeting discussed the possible engineering upgrades necessary to ensure public safety and qualify as a railroad quiet zone.

"As we have moved through this learning process, we have placed public safety and realistic cost considerations as our top priorities," said Carpenter.

The FRA presentation will discuss interim federal rules that should become final sometime in early 2005. Because of the interim nature of the rules, not all details are finalized, however, most of the framework is in place.

"For the first time there will be a clear and agreed upon pathway for communities across America to address their noise abatement issues and work together cooperatively with the railroads," Carpenter commented.

Costs are just beginning to emerge, and though some very high end applications have been publicly quoted, the East Hope crossing already has many safety features in place and it is believed that the costs can be contained and met.

All interested individuals are invited to attend this informational meeting.