OnTrackNorthAmerica - User contributions [en]

About OnTrackNorthAmerica

2025-07-24T13:40:48Z

MMartin: Removed Carl from Board of Trustees list

<center>[[File:OTNA Logo.jpg|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>

'''OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)''' produces Industrial Systems Initiatives such as '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series. The Continental Action Plans for Sustainable Industry (CAPSI) is the strategic thinking community, a part of OTNA, that designs Industrial Systems Initiatives and IntelliConference Series.

'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a trusted advisory firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.
OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values. 
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a2/Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building] for 55 congressional staff.

OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia 

* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]

He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices. 

* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6b/2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
* On February 17, 2011, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f7/2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ab/2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.

Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:

* Thank you letters from [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d3/Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf] and [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f4/2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/78/OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/11/OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act].

Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/75/December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e3/A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/b/b8/Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/2/23/Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ee/Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f9/Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]
* [https://freightforum.org/its-not-just-amazon-its-all-of-us/ It’s Not Just Amazon, It’s All of Us, May 7]

==== Board of Trustees ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

<big>''Arthur Menko''</big>

Founder and President of Telcodata and Business Planning, Inc

<big>''J. Vann Cunningham''</big>

Assistant Vice President, Economic Development, at BNSF Railway – Retired; Fellow Member, International Economic Development Council; Former TVA Chief of Regional Planning; Former Practice Principal in economic development and site selection, Lockwood Green Consulting 

==== Advisory Board ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big>
Director, TruckTrain Industries

<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>

Principal, Washington Progress Group

<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development

Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan

2025-07-15T13:44:53Z

MMartin: NVSRP in full minus appendix updated and link changed

<h1> Nevada State Rail Plan </h1>
[[File:Rail-into-colored-mountains-300x294.png|left|thumb|200x200px]]
'''The 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan is unlike any other state transportation plan, advancing rail-enabled sustainable economic development for the state and the nation. The plan consummates an eighteen-month immersion by OTNA and its for-profit affiliate Strategic Rail Finance into the constraints and opportunities of Nevada’s freight system.'''

Typically, a submitted rail plan is the end result. The Nevada plan is a future-facing, detailed blueprint for leveraging rail’s inherent benefits for businesses, communities, and the environment.

To create the plan, OTNA, SRF and the Nevada DOT:

* Facilitated in-depth dialogue between hundreds of shippers, stakeholders, and developers to catalog current and planned business developments and infrastructure opportunities
* Conducted a deep dive into truck movement data in and through the state to pinpoint new opportunities for rail growth and improved multi-modal integration, a rail plan first
* Initiated supply chain mapping for entire industries to reveal synergies for optimized operations and infrastructure
* Laid the groundwork for significant private sector capital to offset the shortfall in public sector funding of freight transportation

Public officials, private businesses, industrial developers, and stakeholders statewide are continuing the unprecedented collaboration of the past year to leverage the 2021 plan for a better Nevada.

'''Click the links below to peruse the plan.'''

[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e2/NVSRP_In_Full_Minus_Appendix.pdf 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan | in full minus appendix] (38 MB)

[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/index.php/File:5-Executive-Summary-Nevada-State-Rail-Plan-v2.pdf 2021 Nevada Rail Plan | Executive Summary]

[[2021 Nevada State Rail Plan - Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links|2021 Nevada State Rail Plan | Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links]]

==== '''THE NEW BLUEPRINT FOR RAIL-ENABLED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT''' ====

There’s a gap between a state rail plan as required by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and a state rail plan that is commercially relevant. The former is a bureaucratic necessity. The latter is an executable plan when it includes a new set of principles and practices such as ongoing stakeholder interaction and stewardship.

'''The New Blueprint for Rail-Enabled Economic Development''' introduces a desperately-needed breakthrough approach to moving a state’s freight transportation network toward increased economic opportunity, reduced carbon footprint, and improved quality of community life.

'''[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/SRF-OTNA_New_Blueprint_for_Rail-Enabled_Economic_Development.pdf Read The New Blueprint For Rail-Enabled Economic Development]'''

==== What Nevada's Stakeholders Are Saying ====
<blockquote>"Now is the time to create this collective for moving forward, making Nevada a leading center for intelligent logistics and commerce, resulting in economic prosperity that benefits every Nevadan… I’m absolutely impressed with the mapping that you and your team have developed to provide insight into the existing freight infrastructure in Southern Nevada. This is great information that we need to educate the economic development community in our region so that they can speak about this when communicating with prospects looking for rail access."

''Perry Ursem''

''Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance''</blockquote><blockquote>First, we agree strongly with the stated purpose of the Rail Plan, to support “Nevada’s commitment to creating a balanced transportation system that moves goods and people sustainably.” Next, we appreciate the detailed description of and proposals for ways to meet this goal, including addressing legal and ownership challenges and the need to identify funding both private and public. We also recognize the extensive outreach to user groups, businesses, communities, and other organizations throughout the state. We think this unprecedented (in our experience) outreach makes it a better plan, and identifies a constituency that may help implement the ambitious goals.

''Anne Macquarie''

''Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter Transportation Team''
Read the Sierra Club Chapter’s full letter here.</blockquote><blockquote>Appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you. Your work is very important to Nevada and we recognize your important contributions to our economic recovery. Freight rail is a critical part of the recovery plan and I look forward to working with you in the near future.

''Joe Campos''

''Blockchains L.L.C.''</blockquote>

File:NVSRP In Full Minus Appendix.pdf

2025-07-15T13:42:59Z

MMartin:

File:NVSRP In Full 072025.pdf

2025-07-14T19:59:15Z

MMartin:

2021 Nevada State Rail Plan - Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links

2025-07-10T19:06:35Z

MMartin:

'''Every state must have a current state rail plan to qualify for federal funding of rail projects. OnTrackNorthAmerica''' was engaged by the Nevada Department of Transportation to prepare an innovative state rail plan that brings together a wide range of influencers from business, government, and community.

'''Individual Chapters of the Rail Plan'''

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/4/4a/6-Nevada-State-Rail-Plan-Blueprint-for-Action.pdf Table of Contents]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/index.php/File:5-Executive-Summary-Nevada-State-Rail-Plan-v2.pdf Executive Summary]

[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/SRF-OTNA_New_Blueprint_for_Rail-Enabled_Economic_Development.pdf Blueprint for Action]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/c/ce/7-CHAPTER-1-Role-of-Rail-in-Nevada.pdf Chapter 1 – Role of Rail in Nevada (1 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a9/8-CHAPTER-2-Nevada-Existing-Rail-System.pdf Chapter 2 – Nevada Existing Rail System (9 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6a/9-CHAPTER-3-Nevada-Passenger-Rail-Strategic-Plan.pdf Chapter 3 – Nevada Passenger Rail Strategic Plan (5.5 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/5/5a/10-CHAPTER-4-Nevada-Freight-Rail-Strategic-Plan.pdf Chapter 4 – Nevada Freight Rail Strategic Plan (15 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/c/c9/11-CHAPTER-5-Nevada-Rail-Service-and-Investment-Program.pdf Chapter 5 – Nevada Rail Service Investment Program (1.5 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/c/c9/11-CHAPTER-5-Nevada-Rail-Service-and-Investment-Program.pdf Chapter 6 – Nevada Coordination and Review (1.1 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/31/13-Appendix-Combined.pdf Appendix (33 MB)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/4/40/4-List-of-Abbreviations-and-Glossary.pdf Glossary of terms]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d8/2-Acknowledgements.pdf Acknowledgements]

'''Links To Maps'''

[https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6889434cffa640e483e58b7fba0e393f&extent=-14173837.7636%2C4128342.1281%2C-12272084.4998%2C5191122.5694%2C102100 Nevada State Rail Map – Online multilayer, digital map (Takes time to load)]

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ae/CombinedNSP.pdf Rail Plan Guided Tour]

[https://www.dot.nv.gov/mobility/state-rail-maps/-fsiteid-1 Nevada State Rail Maps – Printable]

Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan

2025-07-10T19:05:34Z

MMartin: Updated Blueprint with 2025 version

<h1> Nevada State Rail Plan </h1>
[[File:Rail-into-colored-mountains-300x294.png|left|thumb|200x200px]]
'''The 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan is unlike any other state transportation plan, advancing rail-enabled sustainable economic development for the state and the nation. The plan consummates an eighteen-month immersion by OTNA and its for-profit affiliate Strategic Rail Finance into the constraints and opportunities of Nevada’s freight system.'''

Typically, a submitted rail plan is the end result. The Nevada plan is a future-facing, detailed blueprint for leveraging rail’s inherent benefits for businesses, communities, and the environment.

To create the plan, OTNA, SRF and the Nevada DOT:

* Facilitated in-depth dialogue between hundreds of shippers, stakeholders, and developers to catalog current and planned business developments and infrastructure opportunities
* Conducted a deep dive into truck movement data in and through the state to pinpoint new opportunities for rail growth and improved multi-modal integration, a rail plan first
* Initiated supply chain mapping for entire industries to reveal synergies for optimized operations and infrastructure
* Laid the groundwork for significant private sector capital to offset the shortfall in public sector funding of freight transportation

Public officials, private businesses, industrial developers, and stakeholders statewide are continuing the unprecedented collaboration of the past year to leverage the 2021 plan for a better Nevada.

'''Click the links below to peruse the plan.'''

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/c/c8/NVSRP-3_26.pdf 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan | in full minus appendix] (37 MB)

[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/index.php/File:5-Executive-Summary-Nevada-State-Rail-Plan-v2.pdf 2021 Nevada Rail Plan | Executive Summary]

[[2021 Nevada State Rail Plan - Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links|2021 Nevada State Rail Plan | Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links]]

==== '''THE NEW BLUEPRINT FOR RAIL-ENABLED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT''' ====

There’s a gap between a state rail plan as required by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and a state rail plan that is commercially relevant. The former is a bureaucratic necessity. The latter is an executable plan when it includes a new set of principles and practices such as ongoing stakeholder interaction and stewardship.

'''The New Blueprint for Rail-Enabled Economic Development''' introduces a desperately-needed breakthrough approach to moving a state’s freight transportation network toward increased economic opportunity, reduced carbon footprint, and improved quality of community life.

'''[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/SRF-OTNA_New_Blueprint_for_Rail-Enabled_Economic_Development.pdf Read The New Blueprint For Rail-Enabled Economic Development]'''

==== What Nevada's Stakeholders Are Saying ====
<blockquote>"Now is the time to create this collective for moving forward, making Nevada a leading center for intelligent logistics and commerce, resulting in economic prosperity that benefits every Nevadan… I’m absolutely impressed with the mapping that you and your team have developed to provide insight into the existing freight infrastructure in Southern Nevada. This is great information that we need to educate the economic development community in our region so that they can speak about this when communicating with prospects looking for rail access."

''Perry Ursem''

''Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance''</blockquote><blockquote>First, we agree strongly with the stated purpose of the Rail Plan, to support “Nevada’s commitment to creating a balanced transportation system that moves goods and people sustainably.” Next, we appreciate the detailed description of and proposals for ways to meet this goal, including addressing legal and ownership challenges and the need to identify funding both private and public. We also recognize the extensive outreach to user groups, businesses, communities, and other organizations throughout the state. We think this unprecedented (in our experience) outreach makes it a better plan, and identifies a constituency that may help implement the ambitious goals.

''Anne Macquarie''

''Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter Transportation Team''
Read the Sierra Club Chapter’s full letter here.</blockquote><blockquote>Appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you. Your work is very important to Nevada and we recognize your important contributions to our economic recovery. Freight rail is a critical part of the recovery plan and I look forward to working with you in the near future.

''Joe Campos''

''Blockchains L.L.C.''</blockquote>

File:SRF-OTNA New Blueprint for Rail-Enabled Economic Development.pdf

2025-07-10T19:03:00Z

MMartin:

Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan

2025-07-10T19:01:21Z

MMartin:

<h1> Nevada State Rail Plan </h1>
[[File:Rail-into-colored-mountains-300x294.png|left|thumb|200x200px]]
'''The 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan is unlike any other state transportation plan, advancing rail-enabled sustainable economic development for the state and the nation. The plan consummates an eighteen-month immersion by OTNA and its for-profit affiliate Strategic Rail Finance into the constraints and opportunities of Nevada’s freight system.'''

Typically, a submitted rail plan is the end result. The Nevada plan is a future-facing, detailed blueprint for leveraging rail’s inherent benefits for businesses, communities, and the environment.

To create the plan, OTNA, SRF and the Nevada DOT:

* Facilitated in-depth dialogue between hundreds of shippers, stakeholders, and developers to catalog current and planned business developments and infrastructure opportunities
* Conducted a deep dive into truck movement data in and through the state to pinpoint new opportunities for rail growth and improved multi-modal integration, a rail plan first
* Initiated supply chain mapping for entire industries to reveal synergies for optimized operations and infrastructure
* Laid the groundwork for significant private sector capital to offset the shortfall in public sector funding of freight transportation

Public officials, private businesses, industrial developers, and stakeholders statewide are continuing the unprecedented collaboration of the past year to leverage the 2021 plan for a better Nevada.

'''Click the links below to peruse the plan.'''

[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/c/c8/NVSRP-3_26.pdf 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan | in full minus appendix] (37 MB)

[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/index.php/File:5-Executive-Summary-Nevada-State-Rail-Plan-v2.pdf 2021 Nevada Rail Plan | Executive Summary]

[[2021 Nevada State Rail Plan - Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links|2021 Nevada State Rail Plan | Individual Chapters, Appendix, & Links]]

==== '''THE NEW BLUEPRINT FOR RAIL-ENABLED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT''' ====

There’s a gap between a state rail plan as required by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and a state rail plan that is commercially relevant. The former is a bureaucratic necessity. The latter is an executable plan when it includes a new set of principles and practices such as ongoing stakeholder interaction and stewardship.

'''The New Blueprint for Rail-Enabled Economic Development''' introduces a desperately-needed breakthrough approach to moving a state’s freight transportation network toward increased economic opportunity, reduced carbon footprint, and improved quality of community life.

'''[https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/1c/New-Blueprint-for-Rail-Enabled-Economc-Development-Online-PDF-Format-4.pdf Read The New Blueprint For Rail-Enabled Economic Development]'''

==== What Nevada's Stakeholders Are Saying ====
<blockquote>"Now is the time to create this collective for moving forward, making Nevada a leading center for intelligent logistics and commerce, resulting in economic prosperity that benefits every Nevadan… I’m absolutely impressed with the mapping that you and your team have developed to provide insight into the existing freight infrastructure in Southern Nevada. This is great information that we need to educate the economic development community in our region so that they can speak about this when communicating with prospects looking for rail access."

''Perry Ursem''

''Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance''</blockquote><blockquote>First, we agree strongly with the stated purpose of the Rail Plan, to support “Nevada’s commitment to creating a balanced transportation system that moves goods and people sustainably.” Next, we appreciate the detailed description of and proposals for ways to meet this goal, including addressing legal and ownership challenges and the need to identify funding both private and public. We also recognize the extensive outreach to user groups, businesses, communities, and other organizations throughout the state. We think this unprecedented (in our experience) outreach makes it a better plan, and identifies a constituency that may help implement the ambitious goals.

''Anne Macquarie''

''Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter Transportation Team''
Read the Sierra Club Chapter’s full letter here.</blockquote><blockquote>Appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you. Your work is very important to Nevada and we recognize your important contributions to our economic recovery. Freight rail is a critical part of the recovery plan and I look forward to working with you in the near future.

''Joe Campos''

''Blockchains L.L.C.''</blockquote>

About OnTrackNorthAmerica

2025-07-07T18:28:15Z

MMartin: /* Board of Trustees */

<center>[[File:OTNA Logo.jpg|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>

'''OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)''' produces Industrial Systems Initiatives such as '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series. The Continental Action Plans for Sustainable Industry (CAPSI) is the strategic thinking community, a part of OTNA, that designs Industrial Systems Initiatives and IntelliConference Series.

'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a North American transportation-industry consulting firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.
OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values. 
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a2/Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building] for 55 congressional staff.

OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia 

* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]

He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices. 

* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6b/2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
* On February 17, 2011, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f7/2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ab/2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.

Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:

* Thank you letters from [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d3/Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf] and [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f4/2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/78/OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/11/OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act].

Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/75/December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e3/A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/b/b8/Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/2/23/Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ee/Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f9/Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]
* [https://freightforum.org/its-not-just-amazon-its-all-of-us/ It’s Not Just Amazon, It’s All of Us, May 7]

==== Board of Trustees ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

<big>''Arthur Menko''</big>

Founder and President of Telcodata and Business Planning, Inc

<big>''Carl Belke''</big>

Class I and Short Line Railroad Management Executive – Retired; Board member of numerous Northeast short line railroads; Founder, D&H Rail Consulting LLC

<big>''J. Vann Cunningham''</big>

Assistant Vice President, Economic Development, at BNSF Railway – Retired; Fellow Member, International Economic Development Council; Former TVA Chief of Regional Planning; Former Practice Principal in economic development and site selection, Lockwood Green Consulting 

==== Advisory Board ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big>
Director, TruckTrain Industries

<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>

Principal, Washington Progress Group

<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development

About OnTrackNorthAmerica

2025-07-07T18:27:10Z

MMartin: updated Board members

<center>[[File:OTNA Logo.jpg|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>

'''OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)''' produces Industrial Systems Initiatives such as '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series. The Continental Action Plans for Sustainable Industry (CAPSI) is the strategic thinking community, a part of OTNA, that designs Industrial Systems Initiatives and IntelliConference Series.

'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a North American transportation-industry consulting firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.
OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values. 
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a2/Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building] for 55 congressional staff.

OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia 

* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]

He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices. 

* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6b/2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
* On February 17, 2011, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f7/2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ab/2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.

Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:

* Thank you letters from [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d3/Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf] and [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f4/2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/78/OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/11/OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act].

Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/75/December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e3/A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/b/b8/Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/2/23/Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ee/Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f9/Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]
* [https://freightforum.org/its-not-just-amazon-its-all-of-us/ It’s Not Just Amazon, It’s All of Us, May 7]

==== Board of Trustees ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

<big>''Arthur Menko''</big>

Founder and President of Telcodata and Business Planning, Inc

<big>''Carl Belke''</big>

Class I and Short Line Railroad Management Executive – Retired; Board member of numerous Northeast short line railroads; Founder, D&H Rail Consulting LLC

<big>''J. Vann Cunningham''</big>

Assistant Vice President, Economic Development, at BNSF Railway – Retired; Fellow Member, International Economic Development Council; Former TVA Chief of Regional Planning; Former Practice Principal in economic development and site selection, Lockwood Green Consulting 

==== Advisory Board ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big>
Director, TruckTrain Industries

<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>

Principal, Washington Progress Group

<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development

About OnTrackNorthAmerica

2025-07-07T18:15:02Z

MMartin:

<center>[[File:OTNA Logo.jpg|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>

'''OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)''' produces Industrial Systems Initiatives such as '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series. The Continental Action Plans for Sustainable Industry (CAPSI) is the strategic thinking community, a part of OTNA, that designs Industrial Systems Initiatives and IntelliConference Series.

'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a North American transportation-industry consulting firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.
OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values. 
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a2/Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building] for 55 congressional staff.

OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia 

* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]

He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices. 

* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6b/2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
* On February 17, 2011, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f7/2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ab/2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.

Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:

* Thank you letters from [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d3/Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf] and [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f4/2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/78/OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/11/OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act].

Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/75/December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e3/A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/b/b8/Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/2/23/Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ee/Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f9/Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]
* [https://freightforum.org/its-not-just-amazon-its-all-of-us/ It’s Not Just Amazon, It’s All of Us, May 7]

==== Board of Trustees ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
==== Advisory Board ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big>
Director, TruckTrain Industries

<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>

Principal, Washington Progress Group

<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development

About OnTrackNorthAmerica

2025-07-07T17:54:18Z

MMartin: all links updated with new capsi URLs

<center>[[File:OTNA Logo.jpg|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>

'''OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)''' produces Industrial Systems Initiatives such as '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series. The Continental Action Plans for Sustainable Industry (CAPSI) is the strategic thinking community, a part of OTNA, that designs Industrial Systems Initiatives and IntelliConference Series.

'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a North American transportation-industry consulting firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.
OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values. 
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a2/Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building] for 55 congressional staff.

OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia 

* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]

He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices. 

* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6b/2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
* On February 17, 2011, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f7/2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ab/2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.

Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:

* Thank you letters from [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d3/Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf] and [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f4/2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/78/OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/11/OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act].

Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/75/December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e3/A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/b/b8/Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/2/23/Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ee/Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]
* [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f9/Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]
* [https://freightforum.org/its-not-just-amazon-its-all-of-us/ It’s Not Just Amazon, It’s All of Us, May 7]

==== Board of Trustees ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
==== Advisory Board ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big>
Director, TruckTrain Industries

<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>

Principal, Washington Progress Group

<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development

About OnTrackNorthAmerica

2025-07-07T17:44:27Z

MMartin:

<center>[[File:OTNA Logo.jpg|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>

'''OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)''' produces Industrial Systems Initiatives such as '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series. The Continental Action Plans for Sustainable Industry (CAPSI) is the strategic thinking community, a part of OTNA, that designs Industrial Systems Initiatives and IntelliConference Series.

'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a North American transportation-industry consulting firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.
OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values. 
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/a2/Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ef/1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building] for 55 congressional staff.

OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia 

* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]

He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices. 

* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/6/6b/2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
* On February 17, 2011, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f7/2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/a/ab/2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.

Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:

* Thank you letters from [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/d/d3/Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf] and [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f4/2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/78/OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/11/OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act].

Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

* [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/7/75/December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]
* [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/e3/A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]
* [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/b/b8/Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]
* [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/2/23/Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]
* [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/e/ee/Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]
* [https://ontracknorthamerica.org/images/f/f9/Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]
* [https://freightforum.org/its-not-just-amazon-its-all-of-us/ It’s Not Just Amazon, It’s All of Us, May 7]

==== Board of Trustees ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
==== Advisory Board ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big>
Director, TruckTrain Industries

<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>

Principal, Washington Progress Group

<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development

FreightImpact Calculator

2025-05-16T15:37:13Z

MMartin: Updated link to journal article

OnTrackNorthAmerica, in partnership with the University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment], has gathered data on seventeen lifecycle costs and impacts of building, using, and maintaining highways for truck freight transportation versus railroads and trains. The dataset powers an online tool, the Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator, which allows stakeholders to apply the information to individual projects, systems, and regions. This is the world’s first side-by-side comparison of each land freight mode's lifecycle return on investment. After a year-long peer review, our work was published on October 9th, 2024, in the “[https://capsi.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/1/1c/2_Comparative_evaluation_of_highways_and_railroads_using_life-cycle_benefit-cost_analysis.pdf International Journal of Sustainable Transportation].”

{{ReadMore|Text Here=The transportation sector significantly influences our environment and quality of life. Yet legislators, planners, project developers, and citizens have lacked a comprehensive assessment tool for investment decisions in rail versus highway projects, even while transport infrastructure receives significant public and private-sector capital. Investment in highways to accommodate an overreliance on trucks for moving freight continues unabated, with little grasp of that investment's actual return and costs.

Conventional cost-benefit analysis narrowly focuses on only a few factors, excluding most financial, environmental, and social concerns. OnTrackNorthAmerica’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator is vital in rethinking our infrastructure and industrial systems for the 21st century and beyond. Given our pressing need to foster economic prosperity, while minimizing the effects of industrial systems on our vulnerable environments and communities, it is essential to consider all lifecycle costs in investment decisions.

Trucks must continue their vital role; the goal isn't to promote one mode over another. It is time to integrate modes into a balanced, productive system. Unfortunately, the complete costs of transportation infrastructure are seldom estimated or paid. While the direct costs are paid via construction and shipping fees, the indirect, externalized costs are absorbed by society and the natural environment. The data shows that the total lifecycle cost of a highway project is approximately five times the lifecycle cost of a railroad project. Although some legislators and planners are attuned to rail transport’s general efficiencies and benefits, the previous lack of an analytical tool has stifled wise decision-making and sound, sustainable investments.

Highway-centric freight transportation has many more impacts than the understandable focus on CO2 emissions. For instance, it takes a 27-mile convoy of trucks on the highway to move the same goods as a one-mile train on its own right-of-way. This truck congestion increases travel time for everyone and affects the entire system's reliability. Consider the difference in light pollution, an increasing problem for wildlife and humans. The goods carried by a mile-long train require 300 tractor-trailers, each with headlights, taillights, and side lights. The train, meanwhile, has two lights on the front of the lead locomotive and a red end-of-train device on the last railcar with reflective tape on the railcar sides. Light pollution is one of the impacts of this large number of trucks, along with increased air pollution, congestion, and road wear. Tire wear is now the largest source of microplastics in our oceans.

The Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator includes data from prior research conducted in the United States. When impact factors were not researched in the U.S., overseas research was used. We are working to initiate further primary research to address these geographic gaps and to study other impact factors. All data will be regularly updated and disseminated.

This data powers up wiser investment decisions that optimize the use of highways and railroads. Letting go of competition and instituting smart collaboration will benefit all service providers and communities. Adopting a complete lifecycle analysis will significantly enhance progress toward critical environmental, economic, and quality-of-life goals.}}show_clk