The Adirondacks struggle to maintain economic stability and strive to modernize attractions and infrastructure yet encounter a void in leadership when it comes to the directions considered supportable.
In St. Lawrence County, the Industrial Development Agency seeks millions to rebuild a railroad to serve a dismantled paper mill and a nearly exhausted ore mine.
The railroad from Old Forge to Lake Placid has failed since before the 1950s, been all but officially abandoned since the early 1960s and yet the public pays to maintain the railroad.
Studies by Camion and Associates and by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy are exciting with information supporting the value of removing the rail structure and replacing it with an all-season recreational trail. Biking, hiking, camping, fishing, birding and snowmobiling will all benefit. At a minimum, reviewing the unique Unit Management Plan for the Adirondack Travel Corridor has resolutions from most of the towns and villages, several organizations and thousands of petitioners from Old Forge to Lake Placid.
It is time for our elected and selected officials and economic stimulus groups to publicly hear the arguments for the future use of this valuable state asset and help the Adirondack economy in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Scott S. Thompson
Norridgewock, Maine
