WITH format change mourned as a loss2 I can only wonder...

WITH format change mourned as a loss

2 I can only wonder whether Jesus would rejoice.

Stanley L. Rodbell

Columbia

Conrail acquisition will be good for city, state

Transportation has consistently been one of Maryland's greatest economic development strengths, playing a pivotal role our state's ability to attract and retain businesses and to nurture business growth.

Site location and economic development experts widely acknowledge the overall high quality of Maryland's transportation infrastructure -- highway system, port, airport and public transportation -- and the state's commitment to maintaining it.

These are all public resources over which Marylanders, through their state government, maintain a substantial degree of strategic control.

Yet Maryland's private railroads, and their potential for maximizing the full business advantage of our state's location as an inland port and distribution ''hub,'' are arguably as important to our state's competitive position as all the rest.

That's why approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board of the proposed dual acquisition of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern is critically important to the business community of the Baltimore region and the state.

As a result of current merger plans, now being reviewed by the USSTB, the Port of Baltimore and Maryland businesses will be served by two Class I railroads. The ability of Maryland shippers to efficiently move products to destinations in the Midwest, as well as to others both north and south, will be significantly strengthened.

The potential positive impact on Maryland's economic climate of this, and healthy railroad competition in our market, cannot be overestimated.

Meanwhile, merger plans would also serve to support the state's existing public investment in MARC and ensure that its plans to strengthen commuter rail operations would continue to move forward.

The hard work and advocacy on the part of business and government leaders in Baltimore and Maryland -- as well as the negotiators for Conrail, CSX and Norfolk Southern -- are on the threshold of producing a ''win-win'' for Maryland's railroads and shippers.

The Conrail acquisition, which originally prompted concern about its impact on key elements of our economy, is being accomplished in a manner that could substantially enhance business development in our region and state.

Donald P. Hutchinson

Baltimore

The writer is president of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

Pub Date: 6/28/97