Cuomo announces plan to create 119-mile travel corridor in Adirondacks to boost tourism

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo last week announced the final plan to govern the use of the 119-mile travel corridor from Remsen in Oneida County to Lake Placid in Essex County.

The final plan, signed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Transportation will “maximize the use and economic benefits of the corridor.” The plan is part of long-term strategy to create multi-use recreation trails and scenic railways, Cuomo’s office said in a news release.

The state will provide immediate funding for implementation of the plan, including $15 million to upgrade the rail line between Big Moose and Tupper Lake and $8 million to build a multi-use trail between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. The rail line will be renovated and the trail will be built within the next three years.

“From Tupper Lake to Lake Placid, the Adirondacks is home to unparalleled natural beauty, and today we are building on what makes this region so special,” Cuomo said in the release. “By rehabilitating the railway and building a scenic trail, we are better utilizing the corridor and its surrounding lands to create more economic and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

The state funding allocated to implement the final plan will enable the scenic railroad to expand continuous operations for 45 miles on fully restored rails. The plan also calls for a longer-term lease for the scenic railroad operator, according to the release.

The scenic railway will continue operations on the Tupper Lake to Lake Placid segment through this November. The removal of the tracks and development of the 34-mile community connector trail will begin after November.

Contact The Business Journal News Network at news@cnybj.com