Adirondack Scenic Railroad lands $791,000 in state funds

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last month that the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society (ARPS), the nonprofit operator of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad will receive $791,000 in state funding. Through the Governor's Aviation Capital Grants Program, $26.8 million was allocated to 38 rail and aviation safety programs. Since the Adirondack Scenic Railroad lost its lease agreement at the repair facility in Rome on the Griffiths Business and Development Park, it has been maintaining their fleet of 21 passenger cars and eight locomotives outside in the rail yard at Utica, as well as in a small one-stall shop in Thendara, just south of Old Forge. The facility will allow the Railroad to better maintain their equipment to supporting a growing tourism attraction, as well as begin a contract work program, repairing rail equipment for other operators. ARPS Executive Director Bethan Maher said repairs will become much more efficient, allowing the organization to expand and diversify as a tourist attraction while having a large enough facility for contract work. "This will provide a secondary revenue source which is not tourism dependent, while at the same time create jobs." "We are obviously pleased that the State has chosen to show confidence in us with this grant," said ARPS President Bill Branson. "This facility will allow us to grow into the future, with the additional benefits that will be required with expanded rail corridor service." Cuomo said, "New York remains a vital transportation hub, as well as a tourism destination, and this funding will help ensure travel to and in this state is safer, more convenient and more reliable. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we are making long term improvements to our rail and aviation systems in order to better serve the people who use them, while also expanding economic opportunities throughout New York." The repair facility will measure 220 feet long by 75 feet wide, with two tracks in the building, an inspection pit and room to repair a variety of equipment. The Railroad is currently looking at land to purchase for the project in the vicinity of Union Station, north of the railroad tracks.

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Adirondack Scenic Railroad lands $791,000 in state funds

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