Judge Main of the New York State Supreme Court in Franklin County has ruled in favor of the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society’s Article 78 proceeding against the State of New York. The Railway Preservation Society filed the suit over a year ago, challenging the State’s decision to rip up 34 miles of the 141 miles of track on which the Railroad operates.
The ARPS has believed from the beginning of the judicial process that the original Management Plan, finalized in 1996, was correct, and would “permit rail uses over the entire length of the corridor, encourage compatible recreational trail uses.” In direct contrast, the 2016 plan called for the removal of 34 miles of rail line, threatening the loss of two businesses (Adirondack Scenic Railroad & Rail Explorers USA), eliminating 40,000 annual visitors and limiting the future potential of the line. From the beginning of this process, ARPS has maintained that a rail and trail multi-use travel corridor best serves public interests while providing protections for this great asset.
ARPS believes that Judge Main has taken a balanced and objective approach. It is unclear, at this time, whether NYS will appeal this ruling. For our organization this action has been a financial strain and has taken away resources from continuing to operate and expand a successful business.
Efforts will be made to reach out to the communities served along the rail transportation corridor to begin to build packages which will highlight local offerings and provide for increased economic impact. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad will continue to play a vital role in the tourism industry of the region while continuing the preservation and restoration of the corridor.
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For the past twenty-five years, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad has operated a successful tourist railway, spanning form its southern terminus in Utica, through the beautiful Adirondack Park. The railway has been an integral part of heritage tourism in New York State, carrying in excess of 1.5 million passengers and restoring over 80 miles of historic track to operation. As a multimodal corridor (rails with trails), rail use also allows for interface between the train, hikers, bikers and canoeists, potentially making New York State a leader and world class example the concept of multimodal travel through sensitive ecosystems. This heritage railway offers an authentic and unique experience, allowing people from all walks of life to see remote countryside and Forever Wild areas they may not be able to see otherwise. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.adirondackrr.com or by calling 1-800-819-2291.
Contact: Bethan Maher, Executive Director (315) 724-0700
