Rutland County leaders roll up their sleeves

Vermont Business Magazine, Jun 01, 2005 by Barna, Ed

The Rutland Herald reported in November that in Canada, Omya is facing charges of illegal disposal in Ontario, as a result of allegedly dumping 166 tanker truck loads that in addition to water and calcium carbonate included biocides (used to prevent mold growth), dispersants (which improve slurry flow) and flocculants (thickening agents).

In April, Omya also hired TRC Consultants to try to study "potential odor-causing emissions."

Neighbors say the smell is more than potential, has been there for at least five years, and last summer got so bad that nearby residents couldn't go outdoors. Some have said the noise problem is even worse, though the plant's decibel levels are below zoning standards. Reddy has pointed out that the plant has to meet very exacting environmental standards to maintain its ISO 14000 certification, a key to selling its products internationally.

Left Behind

If there's one historical fact that keeps resonating for growth-minded Rutland County citizens, it's the way the Interstate highway system ran out before it got to western Vermont. Year after year, transportation has been a major concern, and this year it has been particularly embattled.

The big cloud is the federal deficit, whose negative effects may precede the Bush administration's anticipated surge in economic growth from lower tax rates. US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has proposed eliminating Amtrak funding from the 2006 budget, and cutting essential air service subsidies to many small airports. Leaving Amtrak's operational funding to the states would probably end hopes of creating passenger service through Bennington up to Burlington, and losing Rutland State Airport's scheduled flights through Continental Connections would be a blow to its role in the region's economy.

Highway funding has been forthcoming, but there's some anxiety there as well. With so many roads and bridges around the state needing repair, there's the possibility that after the big Route 7 upgrade through Pittsford and Brandon goes through permitting, the plans will once again gather dust on a shelf for lack of construction money (though the Legislature approved the suggested funds this year).

Amtrak critics say it has never been profitable, has cost $29 billion in subsidies through the years, and remains inefficient. Supporters say that with cuts in interstate bus service, troubles in the airline industry, and vehicular efficiency newly important, it's vital to maintain a truly national rail service.

Vermont added $2.3 million in state funds to keep Amtrak going in 2003, and $2.5 million in 2004, with this year's amount, in any, still uncertain. The trains run in Vermont without ticket agents, and thus without baggage cars, which would be advantageous to skiers.

Carl Fowler, vice-president and general manager of Rail Travel Service in Putney, said in an editorial commentary "The real truth about Amtrak is that due to lack of federal capital support, it lacks the equipment to meet the demand which already exists. As a tour operator, we have to reserve on long-distance trains a full 11 months before departure to assure space for a group. Sources in Amtrak's reservations staff advise us they turn away half the requests they receive for sleeper space because of a lack of equipment."