I have actually heard chatter from legit rail workers of talk of the possibility of the tracks being relaid and thereby giving NS that mentioned connection into Albany. I don't know the rules of 'railbanked' trails, so I can't speak on how credible the chatter was, but I will admit that the drainage work they are doing on the Kenwood end (under the 87 and 9W bridges) does seem to be much more than one would expect for a simple bike/hiking trail.
Can anyone explain the cold hard facts of railbanking and service restoration on such ROW's? What are the serious possibilities? Even Albany County (apparently the current owners of the land) says the following on their FAQ page regarding the line:
"It should be noted, however, that if public transportation needs were ever significant enough to justify a return to rail service on this corridor, then it is likely that the County would be supportive of addressing that need, even if it meant the possible loss of the rail trail. In that event, the County would be compensated for the fair market value of the corridor."
So now, with NS in the picture, what are the possibilities? As for the line from Delanson to VO, was this sold by CP to SMS or just leased?