Wednewtay, March M. IMl

The Herald »y The Untern

Business Boost Eyed to Help Save Seashore Line

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WASHINGTON, D C. - .Congrwwman Bill Hughes (D-NJ) has asked New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Louis J. Gambaccini to meet with South Jersey business leaders to rally private -support for an upgrading of the Pennsyslvania Reading Seashore Line Following a telephone conversation last Wednesday morning, Hughes said Gambaccini agreed to set (he meeting up in the near

* future

Hl'GHEK SAID the pur pose of the meeting will be to develop firm commitments between the s|ate and business com n§jnity to improve service and equipment along the PRSL Without these commitments. he said, there may be no way. to head off v the closing of the line. 1 which provides the only rail passenger service to South Jersey’s seashore

resorts

"The Seashore Line can no longer survive entirely on state and federal subsidies," Hughes stated. 1 ‘We need to develop a part-

nership between the State and the local business com munity, to pay for upgrading the line and to promote ridership on it. "The PRSL can pla> a major role in the economic revitalization of South Jersey,” ITe continued: "However, this potential may never be realized unless the state and business community join forces now to upgrade the line and prove its viability. THE OCEAN CITY Congressman pointed out that the casino industry in Atlantic City has done an excellent job of sponsoring bus service into the resort. He said he would like to see that same type of commitment directed by the casinos toward the PRSL. The upcoming meeting is being organized in response to a new threat by the New Jersey Transit Corporation to close the Seashore Line because it is losing money. Hughes said the state DOT is largely responsible for that situation, since it has refused to improve service along the PRSL or other wise en-

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courage its ridership. In addition to seeking renewed state support for the PRSL, Hughes called upon Commissioner Gambaccini to examine ntore closely the possibility of private development of the Philadelphia to Atlantic City rail corridor. In recent months, a number of private firms have expressed an interest in this rail corridor. “If private industry is capable of operating this rail line, that option ought to be encouraged by the State," he

said.

RECENT transportation studies have projected a potential ridership along this corridor of 12,000 p&ssengers per day by 1990, compared to^ the 250 passengers who presently commute along the PRSL. Hughes said hp envisions the high-speed, Philadelphia to Atlantic City rail line as the centerpiece of a comprehensive rail network in South Jersey, with feeder lines connecting Wildwood, Toms River and Vineland. The New Jersey Transit Corporation reported last week the state could save an estimated $800,000 thisyear in maintenance costs

by closing the PRSL. No final decision has been made yet on the fate of the

PRSL.

However. Hughes said the $800,000 savings hardly justifies the abandoment of

the only existing rail service to the shore resorts. "With gasoline costs continuing to rise, and the resorts’ highways already congested, rail service is a logical alternative for

seashore visitors and residents," he stated. "If anything, the State should be thinking about increasing its commitment to the PRSL, instead of cutting this service back."

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STURDY SAVNGS and Loan Vice-president Fred Houston, left, and president John L. Armour, right, greet Lower Twp. Mayor Thomas Clydesdale at last Wednesday’s opening of Sturdy’s new branch office at the Breakwater Plaza, Fishing creek.

Step Up Tourism Aid, says Florio

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ATLANTIC CITY - U.S. Representative James J. # Florio (D-NJ) has called for increased federal and state involvement in efforts to increase the country’s and New Jersey’s share of the growing, worldwide tourism and travel market. In remarks prepared for delivery last week before the annual Eastern Regional Conference of the American Society of Travel Agents at Bally’s Park Place Casino’Hotel, Florio who is seen as a gubernatorial contender this year, stated that the federal government is finally beginning to realize the importance of this industry in terms of both money and jobs. "TOURISM IS NOW the nation's third largest industry, annually generating $150 billion in gross business receipts and $218 million in federal revenue. The travel and tourism industry is particularly important to New Jersey, where it is the state's second largest industry, annually generating $168 million in state revenue, $24 million in local taxes, and jobs in excess of 109,000," Florio

said. Florio, who chairs the House Commerce, Transportation and Tourism subcommittee, is the author of the National Tourism Policy Act, legislation that would establish a new federal entity charged with coordinating federal efforts to increase travel to the United States. At present, such responsibility is scattered throughout various departments and agencies. ’’INTERNATIONAL tourism is one of the world's major growth industries. Yet the growth in the number of foreign travellers to the United States has been slower than the world’s international tourism growth. In 1980, the United States received only 7.8 percent of the world’s tourists," Florio stated. In this rapidly increasing market, the countries with the best tourism infrastructure, the most effective promotion, and the strongest marketing tools will capture tourism dollars and prosper. "The National Tourism Policy Act is a moderate proposal, one which I think can gain thfr Reagan ad-

minstration’s support. There is no net increase in expenditures for tourism programs, reflecting the desire of the Congress, the administration, and American people to hold the line on the federal

budget. Accordingly, I am hopeful that the administration will reconsider its decision to oppose the establishment of a new, independent agency to coordinate tourism programs," Florio stated.

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Lifeguard Test Slated

SEA ISLE CITY - This resort’s annual test for new lifeguard applicants has ‘Little Capers’ Victorious

CAPE MAY - The city Civic Affairs Traveling Team recently defeated Assumption of Wildwood Crest 53*38. The “Little Capers" were sparked by Brian Jones (22 points), Sean Magee (16 points), Pat Holden (14 points) and Mark Shtffbauer (3 points). Bob Schaffer powered Assumption with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

been set for 10 a.m. June 6, at Beach Patrol Headquarters, according to SICBP Captain, Tom McCann. There is no advance application needed Applicants will be put through a series of tests, including a swimming race. Successful applicants will then attend the SICBP “Rookie School", to further train applicants in all aspects of lifesaving techniques. "Each year we select only the best." McCann said. "Our beach patrol has an outstanding record of safety and achievement, and we strive to improve each year."

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