The original post was about the Adirondack commision objected to freight being transported from a mine on the North Creek RR (ex D&H) to the Interchange @ Saratoga. The mine has garnet (used on sandpaper) and titanium and by shutting down the railroad line they feel that they can keep the mine from reopening.
By the way I have seen that N/S line on Long Island on a map and wonder why no passenger trains use that line. Seems to be a need for N/S trains on the island as well as light rail. Theres more people on Long Island then 20 of our US States.
While I was president of the Denton County Transportation Authority, we planned to rebuild railroad on the Denton Branch Rail Trail. DCTA trains are now operating on the railbed previously occupied by the trail. A new trail is in place beside the railroad. We worked with trail groups to arrive at an acceptable plan.
The acquisition of the Panhandle Trail from Conrail was one of my last accomplishments as executive director of the West Virginia State Rail Authority. Since the acquisition of Conrail was pending, Conrail sought NS approval of the transaction. Conrail wanted to retain the railbanking rights, but I was concerned that the rights to reactivate rail would not take place if the reactivation were for a passenger plan. Therefore, we agreed that Conrail retained the right of first refusal to reactivate with the right going to the state if a set time period passed without their right being excercised.
Looks like there are many more qualified professionals to address this issue other than this retired RR sales rep , however I do know that high property texas on rail assets such as tracks & stations have caused excessive downsizing of route miles as well as destruction of stations on lines where passenger service is now being proposed. Beautiful stations on the proposed FEC passenger route were the victims of the wrecking ball and we wish we still had them .Hope we have learned our lessons . Also the problems that were incured to restore service to Staten Island is an indication that we must be vigilant on this subject. It might be good if governments that have present trails or plan future trails , be certain that ALL ROWs are legally preserved for future rail use. The feedback on this subject has been terrific, inspiring and balanced . That's what we expect from Progressive Railroading readers, isn't it ?
It seems to me "Clinchfield" that any railroad abandonment is a fail on the railroad sales department. I know that short lines are more repsonisve to there customers and the Class ones repeat that statement but that to me seems like a self inditctment.Part of this may also be due to the fact that railroads went from one local freight agent in each town to a commondity specific sales rep that covered mulitble states. The local soda company that got corn syrup by rail.....hey what about those bottles coming in by truck in the front door?---Different sales rep. The local freight agent knew his custumers and his kids played with the kids from the local factorys baseball team. The line that comes to mind is the Eddicott-Johnson City-Binghamton NY branch which at one time had at least 40 on line custumers in a couple miles of track.
Why just railroads to rail trails? What about conversion to roads that everyone can use. I know W&OD road near BWI airport was recycled from a old railroad. The http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Roads_Movement was also promoted by railroads to get there produce to the station in the 1920s