Rail line providing service to businesses
By SHARON TURANO, City Editor May 18, 2005
SALAMANCA — The revamped rail line from Hornell to Corry, Pa. is being used by about 20 area businesses, along with daily coal car runs by Norfolk/Southern.
The line’s use was discussed during a Monday Southern Tier Rail Authority meeting. The authority, made up of officials from counties the line runs through, oversees the line, which is operated by Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad.
The line was previously marked for abandonment by former Conrail owners. Southern Tier West (STW) Regional Planning and Development board staff believed that would be a detriment to area businesses and were concerned the businesses that use the line for transportation would have a difficult time finding product and material transport. STW officials said once track was removed, they did not expect it to be replaced.
They developed a plan, with Norfolk/Southern reaping tax breaks on the line, which they would keep in-tact, and Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad choosing to operate the line.
Grants have funded work on the line so rail cars can travel at usual speeds. Additional funds are being sought to continue the upgrade of the line.
STW officials reported federal emergency management funds are being used to prevent further wash-outs of the line, as previously occurred during heavy rains.
Despite that, the line remains busy, and the Rail Authority re-elected officers during the Monday session. These officers include: Cattaraugus County Legislative Chairman Jess Fitzpatrick (R-Ellicottville), chairman; John Margeson of Allegany County, vice-chairman; Fred Larson of Chautauqua County, secretary, and James Griffin of Hornell, treasurer.
©Salamanca Press 2005
By SHARON TURANO, City Editor May 18, 2005
SALAMANCA — The revamped rail line from Hornell to Corry, Pa. is being used by about 20 area businesses, along with daily coal car runs by Norfolk/Southern.
The line’s use was discussed during a Monday Southern Tier Rail Authority meeting. The authority, made up of officials from counties the line runs through, oversees the line, which is operated by Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad.
The line was previously marked for abandonment by former Conrail owners. Southern Tier West (STW) Regional Planning and Development board staff believed that would be a detriment to area businesses and were concerned the businesses that use the line for transportation would have a difficult time finding product and material transport. STW officials said once track was removed, they did not expect it to be replaced.
They developed a plan, with Norfolk/Southern reaping tax breaks on the line, which they would keep in-tact, and Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad choosing to operate the line.
Grants have funded work on the line so rail cars can travel at usual speeds. Additional funds are being sought to continue the upgrade of the line.
STW officials reported federal emergency management funds are being used to prevent further wash-outs of the line, as previously occurred during heavy rains.
Despite that, the line remains busy, and the Rail Authority re-elected officers during the Monday session. These officers include: Cattaraugus County Legislative Chairman Jess Fitzpatrick (R-Ellicottville), chairman; John Margeson of Allegany County, vice-chairman; Fred Larson of Chautauqua County, secretary, and James Griffin of Hornell, treasurer.
©Salamanca Press 2005
~Greg Graves
