Greetings to Erie-Cattaraugus Rail Trail fans and supporters! You might remember last year’s theme: patience and tenacity. Well, in 2014, our stick-to-it-ness philosophy finally began to pay off! This past May, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) board members sat down with key decision-makers from Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) to discuss the future of this potential rail trail. It was a very positive and enlightening encounter. We learned that, without question, B&PRR wants to rail bank the entire corridor – all 27 miles! And, they want to rail bank it with us - Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! The first step in our negotiation, moving toward an eventual title acquisition, was to gain permission to access the corridor. After a few months of back and forth document tweaking, we signed a Right of Entry (ROE) license agreement. This ROE agreement allows ECRT members who have passed the railroad’s safety training course to access the corridor and ascertain its status. Using GIS technology and photography, we are now in the process of identifying encroachments and noting the status of various culverts, bridges and retaining walls. Our ROE agreement continues through the spring of 2015, by which time we will have a clear idea of conditions on the corridor and be in an excellent position to start serious negotiations on a rail banking agreement. As you know, once the right of way is rail banked and we hold legal title to the corridor, we can begin raising funds and building the trail! So continue to hang in there! We sincerely thank you all for your continued patience and support. Please know that your ECRT board continues to work diligently to make this remarkable, future multiuse trail a reality for the benefit of the residents of the south towns and all of Western New York. Happy trails!
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 16:12:15 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015