This is my letter of support for the Adirondack Scenic Railroad sent to the DOT. I am Jim Lanthier Jr. from Tupper Lake. I was born in Saranac Lake and lived and attended school in Tupper Lake K thru 12. I am a native of the Adirondacks. I am a camp caretaker, rustic furniture artisan, freelance photographer, historian and a railroad buff. I enjoy all outdoor activities including hiking, biking and snowmobiling. I have been very active as an ARISE volunteer and I love to ski, and I am in support of the ACR project. I am in support of the rails and trails. I very much know what it is like to live and make a living in the north country. Over the years most of our industry has moved over seas. The only industry that we still have that will not move overseas is our tourism industry. At this point in time it is very crucial that we protect and save our recourses and use them very responsibly and we protect them for our future generations. The 118 miles of rail line, from Remsen to Lake Placid is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The New York Central Railroad Adirondack Division Historic District encompasses 23 buildings and 18 structures, including the tracks and ties. As a National Register property, the Adirondack Railroad receives protection from the effects of federal and or state agency sponsored, licensed or assisted projects. The railway was a significant transportation system that profoundly influenced the growth and development of the Adirondack region from the 1890s to the 1940s. ... Constructed in the short span of 18 months through rugged terrain, the railroad was a significant engineering accomplishment of the late Nineteenth century, reflecting sophisticated design solutions to the problems of building through a wilderness environment. The line was instrumental in opening the Adirondack region to commerce, transporting passengers and supplies into the mountains, hauling industrial products out of the area. The Adirondack North Country Associations has secured funding to complete the recreational trail alongside the tracks from Lake Placid to Ray Brook to help continue the preservation of the historic railway as well as provide new recreation space. I have spoken with several ARTA members. ARTA is on a mission just to rip up the railroad, and they do not want any other options, and they call railroad buffs nutcases like they are also calling conspiracy theorists or critical thinkers. The leaders in ARTA are using the snowmobilers like sheep. The leaders have a different agenda, and most of the Snowmobilers dont understand it. All anyone has to do is research Dick Beamish. ARTA continues to echo Rails and Trails cant happen, its impossible. there is no money, its all the APAs fault, and one of the most ridiculous that I have heard is its abandoned. The definition of abandoned is, (left without needed protection or care, left by the owner, to leave completely and finally; forsake utterly; desert, to give up; discontinue; withdraw from, Obsolete. to banish or to give up control of. The Adirondack Railroad certainly has not been abandoned. The public interest in the future of this corridor is high. The NYSDOT has invested approximately $12.9 million of federal funding on restoration of rail infrastructure between Remsen and Lake Placid. Federal rules may require the NYSDOT to repay FHWA for abandonment of federal investment and up to $2 million of Federally funded rail work could be removed under Rail Trail alternatives, primarily between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Also,in 2004 a group of grassroots volunteers erected a new railroad depot in Tupper Lake, and In October 2011 – 119 years after Webb opened his railroad from Herkimer to Malone along these tracks – Next Stop! Tupper Lake launched its “On Track to Saranac” campaign to restore the tracks so the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society can offer tourist train service from Lake Placid to their village. The Society currently operates the Adirondack Scenic Railroad excursion line on sections of the old New York Central Railroad Adirondack Division tracks from Utica to Carter Station and from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid. The existing rail service today is well received by the communities south of Tupper lake, except for a few in Pierce field, and is viewed as a positive engine of economic growth. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad: -Has carried over 1.5 million passengers since its inception in 1992, with a 35% rider ship increase in the last five years alone. -Is operated by a group of about 350 volunteers who give a collective 15,000 hours per year to the RR, serving as conductors, engineers, board members and maintain the 119 mile corridor. -Already offers Canoe & Rail and Bike & Rail packages which are successful and could be expanded will a fully operational line. -Brings a significant economic impact to the region; the RR is not only a job creator but has an annual operating budget of $2 million and works with local vendors, suppliers and merchants. -Draws tourists to the five counties through which it operates. Most riders originate from outside the county of their departing location. - Supports a system of rails and parallel and interweaving trails, first called for in the original 1996 UMP. The Remsen—Lake Placid Corridor: -Is a multimodal corridor! The RR operates seasonally, snowmobiles to have exclusive use of the corridor in the winter months. -Will reach its full potential with rail service restored over the entire line, linking tourists towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and Old Forge with Amtrak and national rail service in Utica -Can accommodate trails north of Tupper Lake, all of which have -already been mapped out by a group of community activists. -Will offer a unique tourism opportunity with train service allowing for drop off points for hikers, paddlers and-Is listed on the National & State Registers of Historic Places. is a protected landmark and the longest historic district in the nation. - outdoor enthusiasts in the most remote parts of the Adirondack Park. -Is listed on the National & State Registers of Historic Places. is a protected landmark and the longest historic district in the nation. -Is owned by the People of the State of New York and should be enjoyed by all, regardless of their physical capabilities or age. Despite the success of the Railroad and the historic value of the line, a small and well-funded group of advocates want to rip up the railroad, destroying the longest historic district in the nation and a protected landmark. I am in support of the Rails and Trails. Thank You Jim Lanthier Jr.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:18:31 +0000
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