PacificNW
Apr 11, 2007, 11:07 PM
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/04/troutdale_gets_proposal_for_tr.html
Troutdale Mayor Paul Thalhofer on Tuesday told a tram company that "you've thrown a lot at us here" after it proposed using the city as the starting point for a system of aerial trams made from recycled airplanes and powered by solar and wind energy.
Milwaukie-based Mass Tram America hopes to build wind turbines and solar-panel structures from Troutdale to Mount Hood. They would be used as power and infrastructure for a tram system that would carry passengers and freight -- ultimately nationwide.
Company representative Julie Mikalson presented the project to the council, saying Troutdale is the "gateway to the metro area" and high winds make it appropriate. The company asked for "an agreement to explore feasibility," Mikalson said. It hopes to have the city's endorsement as it approaches funding-application deadlines at the end of the month.
Councilors questioned whether wind energy was feasible with the city's frequent high wind speeds and predicted public outcry about 200-foot turbines. The council asked the company to come back with a Troutdale-specific business plan.
The company proposes making tram cars from decommissioned Boeing 747 airplanes stripped of their wings. Artist renderings and details about the tram can be found at http://thehighwayinthesky.us. The company has not yet built a prototype.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/PacificNW/Portland3/Picture1.png
Troutdale Mayor Paul Thalhofer on Tuesday told a tram company that "you've thrown a lot at us here" after it proposed using the city as the starting point for a system of aerial trams made from recycled airplanes and powered by solar and wind energy.
Milwaukie-based Mass Tram America hopes to build wind turbines and solar-panel structures from Troutdale to Mount Hood. They would be used as power and infrastructure for a tram system that would carry passengers and freight -- ultimately nationwide.
Company representative Julie Mikalson presented the project to the council, saying Troutdale is the "gateway to the metro area" and high winds make it appropriate. The company asked for "an agreement to explore feasibility," Mikalson said. It hopes to have the city's endorsement as it approaches funding-application deadlines at the end of the month.
Councilors questioned whether wind energy was feasible with the city's frequent high wind speeds and predicted public outcry about 200-foot turbines. The council asked the company to come back with a Troutdale-specific business plan.
The company proposes making tram cars from decommissioned Boeing 747 airplanes stripped of their wings. Artist renderings and details about the tram can be found at http://thehighwayinthesky.us. The company has not yet built a prototype.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/PacificNW/Portland3/Picture1.png
