Lewis eyes railroad for new trails

LOWVILLE — Lewis County officials are seeking state grant money to acquire 27 miles of railroad lines for multi-use recreational trails.

"The only way it's going to get acquired now is through grant funding," said Legislator Richard C. Lucas, R-Barnes Corners, chairman of the legislative Economic Development Committee. "We don't anticipate any county money available in the near future for trail work."

The county's Economic Development Department recently submitted an application for a $600,000 grant from the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to aid with acquisition of the 10-mile Lowville and Beaver River Railroad line from Croghan to Lowville and the 17-mile Lowville Industrial Track from Lowville to West Carthage. Both lines are owned by Genesee Valley Transportation Co. Inc., Batavia.

The funding, if awarded, would come from Environmental Protection Fund money earmarked for acquisition of easements or land for "park, recreation, conservation or preservation purposes."

"If we get money from the grant, great," Mr. Lucas said. "If not, we'll keep on looking."

The Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council in 2007 proposed purchasing the lines — which are now used by Genesee Valley Transportation for rail car storage — for a multi-use trail. Possible uses were to include snowmobiling, ATV riding, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

That organization decided it didn't have the resources to buy and manage such trails, but county officials have continued to discuss the idea with the rail company, Mr. Lucas said.

"We would like to get the rail to add to the countywide trail plan," he said.

Maintaining the rights of way also could be important if local manufacturers ever find it feasible to again utilize rail service, Mr. Lucas said. Discussions with Genesee Valley Transportation would determine which portions of the current line would be retained or sold for scrap, he said.

If it could sell the 17-mile line, Genesee Valley Transportation has suggested that it would donate the 10-mile line to the Railway Historical Society of Northern New York, which could then start a scenic railroad in conjunction with a trail.

"It can be a great asset for a good portion of the county," said Eric J. Virkler, the county's economic development director.