Hey guys,
I just wrote a rough draft of a letter that I intend to send to every representative that is on the railroads website. If you guys could critique this letter and help me make it more accurate I would appreciate it. Thanks.
Hello,
I am writing this letter in support of the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Others as well as myself who not only live in this area, but across the state believe that as your job of being an elected representative to the people you need to exercise your power to help keep and preserve this tourist railroad for the people now and for in the future. This short tourist line is beneficial to the area and it would be a great loss if it were to be taken away. There have been talks to incorporate a rail-trail into this area and many residents as well as myself believe that this idea is not necessarily in the best interests of the people.
If a trail were to be constructed in the right of way of the Catskill Mountain Railroad it is presumed that the rails would be removed. According to estimates by Rail Ryder Track Removal Services U.S.A. it costs between $15,500 and $20,500 to remove one mile of track and to make the right of way pedestrian-friendly. This is a cost that very few tax payers are willing to pay without gaining any real return from.
What kind of economic benefits will Ulster County or even New York State see from a rail trail? Do you honestly expect a county wide rail trail to become a tourist attraction? Ulster County has plenty of rail trails on abandoned rail right of ways that are already used. There is no need to abandon and rip up a line that is currently in use and brings joy to many people. Also, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is looking to restore freight service to potential customers whether they have a business near the line or whether they transload and ship via truck and rail. Why would you consider destroying a business, or hindering an existing businesses opportunity to ship or receive products over rail just so you can have a county wide rail trail? Is it worth it? If you harm any business in New York State large or small, it is no longer a concern or the people of the area, but it is then a concern of the people of the entire State of New York.
It is true that local residents do use these trails for recreational purposes, but the real tourist attraction is the walkway over the Hudson! It would not make economic sense for any government local, state, or federal to spend tax dollars to remove any portion of this line that this volunteer organization has spent great amounts of time to restore. This railroad is more of a tourist attraction than a trail would be. They are very popular and they generate income for this volunteer organization. Yes, the county spends money on this railroad, but its money well spent, especially because it is so popular. This railroad has easier access to the beautiful scenery your area provides than any rail trail does.
On a closing note, if a trail is to be built, please consider saving this rail line, it is currently in use and is used on a regular basis. It would be a huge let down to not only all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to maintain this line, but to everyone who enjoys it as well. A pedestrian trail that parallels this rail line would be an acceptable option that should be looked into. This way every body can benefit.
Sincerely,
Marcus Pisa
-Marc Pisa
Are you planning on expanding the yard or just installing that switch?