I have sent an e-mail asking for the information promised by RITBA. It may be that there is a perfectly good explanation for why they are not releasing the details which explain their projected $300M in maintenance costs, but the appearance of foot-dragging here is palpable.

From: John McDaid
Date: January 22, 2008 7:58:36 AM EST
To: joann head
Cc: Buddy Croft
Subject: Re: PB Study Information -- third request

Hi...
What I asked for (and what Mr. Darlington asked Mr. Croft to post on the RITBA Web site) in the meeting at Portsmouth Town Hall was the Current Ten Year Plan, the Recommended TYP, and the 20-year forecast -- the "comprehensive plan" referred to in the PB Consult report, specifically as described by, "The placeholders in the Recommended TYPs for MH and NP were reviewed and a comprehensive plan titled Twenty Year Forecast of Capital Expenditures - Recommended was prepared. (p. 20)

It does not seem to me that these two pages constitute a comprehensive plan. I expect this material to be made available, since the Chair promised as much in a public meeting. If it is not forthcoming by EOD today, I will ask for help from our legislative delegation and local news media.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Kind Regards.
-john

UPDATE:
Here's what I got from RITBA this afternoon. I'll go along with the polite fiction that there was a misunderstanding. You can watch the video on Channel 18 of me asking Darlington for the 20-year-plan and decide how ambiguous that sounds, not to mention my e-mail from last week. Now, let's take some bets on what shows up on the Web site. Blizzard of virtual paper? Executive summary only? PDF with pages missing and/or out of sequence? I'll admit that I'm a bit cranky by this point...

Is it just accidental that the last public forum is listed for tomorrow night?

From: "Buddy Croft"
Date: January 22, 2008 1:18:15 PM EST
To: "John McDaid"
Subject: response to your request

Dear Mr.McDaid,

I received your email this morning and will have the 10 year plan posted today, however, the backup for the recommened 20 year plan will take a bit longer and will be posted on our website tomorrow. I apologize for any confusion on our part concerning your request and we look forward to furnishing you with the appropriate information you requested.

Sincerely,

Buddy Croft
RITBA