9) Scenic Train Project

OBJECTIVE: Build on the tourist economy of the region by providing needed capital improvements to the rail line formerly known as the Adirondack Branch from Saratoga to North Creek. Provide for the necessary linkages between the tourist rail operation and intercity rail service.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION: Scenic Train operations are a cornerstone of economic development in the North Country. Tourism is without a doubt one of the primary industries in Saratoga and Warren Counties. The natural, scenic, and cultural character of the counties combine to make the region one of the prime tourist attractions of Upstate New York. Plans by Warren County and Saratoga County incorporate both riverfront tourism and the potential for ski trains, leaf peepers, and other tourist rail excursions. A state waterfront planning grant is being used to develop community-based development plans that will enhance the quality of life and bring jobs to the North Country.

The nearly year-round convention and tourism business at Saratoga Springs brings hundreds of thousands of people into the Southern Adirondack Region each year. Coupled with major scenic vista along the Upper Hudson River and world class skiing centers at Gore Mountain, the concept of a scenic train excursion makes sense. Local government officials, business leaders and citizens believe that the scenic train is the economic “engine” that can bring prosperity to their part of the Southern Adriondacks.

The level of enthusiasm for this project is very high. The hamlet of North Creek has already created a master plan for their community that supports an early Adirondack train community theme and other towns along the rail line are doing the same. Local officials can’t recall another single economic development project that has had such a positive acceptance. Local residents are looking forward to ski trains coming to Gore Mountain. The Open Space Institute is expecting that hikers and other outdoor recreation people will use the train. Coupled with other plans that Empire State Development has planned for Gore Mountain at North Creek, the scenic train has potential for creating hundreds of meaningful jobs in the Southern Adirondacks.

In addition, track and other upgrades that will be accomplished as part of this project will increase the possibility that the corridor can support freight operations again, as well.

DESIGN/SCOPE: Warren County purchased 40 miles of abandoned rail line, from Corinth to North Creek, in early 1990's with an ISTEA Enhancement Grant. ISTEA grants also funded project engineering, a station in North Creek, and track improvements for the first operating segment (North Creek to Riparius). Warren County has contracted with the Upper Hudson River Railway for operation of this first segment. The UHRR carried over 20,000 people last season, and has two more years in its operating contract. Warren County and the CDTA have worked out a Joint Service Agreement to allow CDTA to administer federal funds for capital improvements to the rail line. The Adirondack Branch from Saratoga Springs to Corinth is currently an active freight line, owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and its Delaware & Hudson subsidiary. International Paper Corporation is a customer on the line. CPR has indicated a willing-ness to sell this portion of the line to a qualified operator.

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21) provided funding for a steady program of capital improvements that will lead to a Scenic Train connection to Saratoga Springs. The scope of the project is limited to capital expenditures including engineering services, bridge repairs, grade crossing improvements, and track rehabilitation.

BUDGET: The following budget reflects an estimate of the cost of achieving a 40 mph operation.

Table 1 - Project Financial Requirements
Engineering	$200,000
Vegetation Control	$200,000
Trackwork North of Corinth	$3,600,000
Undetermined Scope South of Corinth	$1,000,000
Grade Crossings	$2,500,000
Bridges	$750,000
CDTA Administration	$250,000
	$8,500,000
Table 2 -Project Revenue
Secured Funds
Federal Demonstration Funds	$4,000,000
	$4,000,000
Funding Gap	$4,500,000

STATUS/SCHEDULE: The project has been segmented into two pieces for implementation. The Warren County-owned track (Corinth to North Creek) has been environmentally cleared and can proceed to implementation as soon as CDTA executes a Memorandum of Understanding with NYSDOT, updates the engineering analysis, formulates an acceptable phasing plan, and prepares construction bid documents. A goal of issuing the first construction contract in the 2000 season has been set. Ownership issues of the piece of rail connecting Corinth with Saratoga Springs must be resolved before work can begin there. It is likely that additional engineering services and a separate environmental impact assessment will be required, as well.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Capital District Transportation Authority (TEA-21 capital improvements); Warren County (North Country Operations); Unknown (Connecting Branch Operations).

Contact Person(s): Kristina Younger, CDTA Manager of Planning, 518-482-4199; Bill Thomas, Warren County Board of Supervisors, 518-251-2421; Jack Kelley, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, 518-587-0945.

Partner Agencies: Saratoga Economic Development Corporation; New York State Department of Transportation.