Scenic railroad buoyed by state plan
Rome Sentinel
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The state is renewing a plan for the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor — including converting the Tupper Lake-to-Lake Placid segment to a recreational trail, bolster rail service along the remainder of the corridor and expand snowmobile routes to connect communities between Old Forge and Tupper Lake.
The Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Transportation (DOT) announced Wednesday afternoon that they would revisit the 1996 study for the 119-mile Remsen to Lake Placid Travel Corridor. As part of this renewed process, the public will have an opportunity to review and comment on a draft scope that outlines significant issues and environmental impacts.
The state noted that "the recurring short term lease under which the Adirondack Scenic Railroad operates has hindered the capital investment necessary to improve the rail line in the most remote sections of the corridor. This review will evaluate options to provide the long-term assurance to the rail operator and its investors need to move forward with much needed improvements."
The Adirondack Scenic Railroad had its own take on the announcement. It stated its support for the original plan. "A rail and trail multi-use travel corridor best serves public interests while providing protections for this great asset. The process to decide the use of the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor was lengthy, thorough and led to a sensible future plan for the corridor."
http://romesentinel.com/county/scenic-railroad-buoyed-by-state-plan/QBqngj!zD7cl5Kz6@HlQk2L2waZnA/
