We strongly support the creation of a Rails AND Trails corridor.
- Funding has been provided and work is underway from Lake Placid to Ray Brook.
- This provides many benefits:
- Restoration of rail service between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid
- A recreational trail along side the tracks (which in some places may need to divert from the main Right of Way (or to share ROW with the tracks)
- Continued access for snowmobiles through the corridor.
- Continued access for handicapped individuals to enjoy the corridor.
- The Adirondack Rail Corridor is on the National Register of Historic Places
We want to partner with advocates of a recreational trail to make both rails & trails a reality.
- We have a plan, we can find the funding.
- We will get much further, faster by working together.
ARPS (Adirondack Railroad Preservation Society) is NOT taxpayer subsidized and is profitable.
- ARPS receives no taxpayer subsidies. DOT reimburses ARPS for corridor maintenance and repair work – the percentage of reimbursement varying with the nature of the work and where it was done. This work benefits snowmobilers as well as ARPS. Payment for services rendered is not a subsidy.
- ARPS is profitable. ARPS financials are available at nextstoptupperlake.org.
The DOT has repeatedly stated that they have no intention of removing the rails.
The current Railroad right of way is grandfathered.
- We don’t need permits to enhance anything in our current right of way.
- It is easy to construct a trail beside the existing rails in many areas without permits. This would not be possible if the rails are removed.
- The rail corridor can currently be used for snowmobiles to access wilderness areas. If the rails are removed, many portions of the line will revert to ‘Forever Wild’ State Lands with no snowmobile access allowed
Ripping up the rails WILL NOT create a recreational trail
- Studies commissioned by AdkAction.org says a trail to Tupper Lake would cost $17.1 million, even after selling the rails and ties for salvage. The rails belong to New York State and most likely would not be sold. There is no quick way to replace the rails with a trail. The permitting process alone, with at least six different permits required, would take years.
- If the rails were removed, the current contiguous route available will not be accessible to snowmobiles or bikes (such as through designated APA Wilderness areas). Questions on access to many areas would be contested and litigated for years to come.
