Harsches Push for Electric Trolleys for Williamstown
.jpg) Electric trolleys come in various configurations. This open-air vehicle from GaterMoto can run 50 miles on a single charge. |
Joyce and Paul Harsch of Harsch Associates are spearheading a grant proposal for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to cover the cost of four electric trolleys to promote cultural and commercial ventures during the tourist season. They are planning a PowerPoint presentation at tonight's Selectmen's meeting to gain support from town officials.
According to information provided by Joyce Harsch last month, the funding would come from federal Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGER) initiatives. The minimum grant is $20 million but the U.S. Department of Transportation has been given discretion to waive the limit for projects in small cities or regions.
The deadline for submission is Sept. 9; it is expected to take about eight weeks to write the grant.
"The addition of four Williamstown Battery Electric Vehicle Trolleys would increase the desirability of Williamstown as a tourist destination," according to a proposal outline. "The age of the tourist population is expected to increase along with decrease in physical mobility abilities with increased age."
The trolleys, powered primarily by solar panels, would not only stimulate economic activity, they would also promote environmental sustainability and investment in green technology, according to the proposal.
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce members are being encourage to attend the meeting to provide input. In an e-mail to chamber members, Executive Director Judy Giamborino said the "goal is to increase tourist interest in and traffic to the business district and other attractions in town.
"Trolleys can make it easier for people to get from one attraction to another since they can park their vehicle in one easy location. ... The trolleys will add needed jobs and of course be a fun and festive addition to the town's atmosphere."
The trolleys and their storage are expected to be covered by the grant; rider fees and rentals could cover operational costs.
Harsch said they are looking for local support before beginning the grant writing process. "The more local support and citizens we have backing the idea, the more our political representatives will be likely to lobby for us."
The Selectmen's meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
