On February 12th the APA voted almost unanimously to support the proposed rail-trail between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake and the possible extension of rail service north from Big Moose to Tupper Lake. ARTA has supported this so-called "compromise" in the belief that the 34-mile segment from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake will be so successful that the remaining section from Tupper Lake to Remsen (Old Forge) will surely follow. We will continue to oppose any expenditure of taxpayer funds for rail restoration without a complete economic and environmental impact study and the award of any long-term contract to operate trains that does not include financial and performance guarantees such as performance bonds given the likelihood of minimal demand for train services north of Old Forge.
The next, and final step, unless a legal challenge is mounted, will be publication of the final management plan by DEC and DOT. This should happen soon.