Commissioner Boardman

[Miningman]

https://www.dot.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2000/200012?_piref685_15881113_685_15881108_15881108.portlet_edit=1

From Mike: 

NYS DOT press release, March 20, 2000 

GOVERNOR PATAKI: $7 MILLION TO IMPROVE ADIRONDACK RAIL SERVICE (ESSEX & FRANKLIN COUNTIES) 

Governor George E. Pataki today announced the State will begin $7 million in projects that will substantially improve rail services on the entire Remsen to Lake Placid Travel Corridor, including new service between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake beginning next fall. 

"By investing in the railroad, we will help increase ridership by more than 50,000 passengers annually, spurring increased tourism and economic development for the region," Governor Pataki said. 

"As a result of these improvements, residents and visitors in the Adirondacks will be able to enjoy a new train ride through the Adirondack Park," the Governor said. "Working with dedicated volunteers of the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society, these projects will result in new service and the creation of new jobs in the area." 

The New York State Department of Transportation has just awarded a $2.5 million project to rehabilitate 11 miles of the corridor between Lake Placid Station and Saranac Lake Station. Work will be done in the Towns of North Elba and Harrietstown and the Villages of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. This segment will be upgraded to Federal Railroad Administration Class II standards to allow for safe and comfortable operations for new excursion services. 

The State also awarded a $4.1 million contract to make structure improvements along 108 miles of the Remsen/Lake Placid Travel Corridor. Renovations will include stabilization and upgrades to track and bridges over the entire length. 

On the active southern segment (Remsen to Carter Station 35 miles) an eight-mile section will be reconstructed and along with other work will result in improved operations and service. Over the middle, currently non-operable, segment (Carter Station to Saranac Lake 73 miles) four major washout areas will be totally reconstructed, numerous minor washouts repaired and the track-bed stabilized. These improvements will allow the movement of locomotives and passenger cars between the existing southern service area and the new service area in the north. 

While passenger service will not be available at this time over the middle segment, the improvements are critical to the overall successful operation of the Travel Corridor. The Travel Corridor is a multi-purpose recreational asset used by snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and hikers and many of the improvements facilitate winter recreational uses. Both contracts include the addition of sidewalks and railings on most of the bridges and major structures to allow winter recreational use. 

DOT has also awarded a $500,000 contract to Triple S Construction of Crittenden to clear brush and trees from the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor, allowing for the rehabilitation and stabilization of the track bed, bridges and major structures. The work is expected to be completed by June 2000, and offers improvements for all corridor users. 

The State's management team, consisting of the New York State Departments of Transportation, and Environmental Conservation; the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation; and the Adirondack Park Agency, will oversee the rehabilitation and restoration of track, bridges and support facilities on the State- owned 119-mile-long route. 

Service operations would be provided in partnership with the designated railroad operator of the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor, the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society. 

The Remsen-Lake Placid travel corridor is a 119-mile railroad branch line that was abandoned by Penn Central and subsequently acquired by New York State in 1974. From Remsen north, the line is nearly all within the Adirondack Park, passing through remote areas of the Park before connecting the population centers of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Twenty-two miles south of Remsen, the line eventually connects with Utica. 

Congressman John M. McHugh said, "I am delighted to learn of Governor Pataki's commitment to the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. This line is a genuine recreation and historic resource with unlimited possibilities. The rehabilitation of the line with the ultimate goal of providing passenger rail service along the entire route will provide additional recreation and tourist opportunities for residents and visitors alike." 

Congressman Sherwood Boehlert said, "As a senior member of the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I commend Governor Pataki for recognizing the importance of investing in our state's historic rail services. The Adirondacks are a true New York treasure and the entire state benefits through increased tourism and economic development opportunities when we enhance and promote our rail systems. I hope everyone takes advantage of these enhanced services and rediscovers the Adirondacks." 

State Senator Ronald B. Stafford said, "Continued development of the Adirondack Railway promises even greater economic, cultural and social benefits for the North Country. We are grateful to Governor Pataki for promoting investments in our region and for his commitment to the revitalization of our economy." 

Assemblyman Marc Butler said, "The restoration of the Adirondack Railway is a wonderful example of a partnership between government and private interests to develop a resource that will benefit the entire Adirondack region. I commend the Department of Transportation and Governor George Pataki for their continued faith in the possibilities of this railway." 

Assemblyman Chris Ortloff said, "I am truly pleased Governor Pataki has invested funds to restore rail service from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid. A new and improved rail system through the heart of the Adirondacks will not only allow residents from across the state to enjoy the beauty the North Country has to offer, but it will also create a surge in our regional economy." 

Assemblywoman Betty Little said, "These restored railroad lines are not only important tourist attractions, but are equally important for the preservation of railroads in the Adirondacks. Future years may see renewed usage of rail lines and we will have the necessary infrastructure due to the foresight of Governor Pataki and those who worked so hard on this project. I am grateful to them all." 

Timothy J. Burke, Executive Director of the Adirondack Council, said, "Governor Pataki is engineering a new day for the Adirondacks by protecting the natural environment, preserving historic resources and providing amenities to attract tourism. These trains are good, low- impact way for non-hikers to see parts of the Adirondacks they've never seen through the windshield of their cars," The Adirondack Council is the Park's largest environmental organization. 

Terry deFranco Martino, Executive Director of ANCA, said, "On behalf of the Adirondack North Country Association, we are delighted that with Governor Pataki's leadership and the assistance of Senator Ronald Stafford, we are 'right on track' with the goal of delivering reactivated train service between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. ANCA has worked strategically with the Village of Saranac Lake and Historic Saranac Lake to restore the Union Depot. The work that is underway now gives us a time line and date for when we will once again see renewed operations and the economic and tourism benefits that will make our northern communities a centerpiece for rail activity." 

Henry Parnass, president of the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society, said, "We look forward to having the opportunity to provide tourist rail excursions in the high peaks region of the Adirondack Park. Governor Pataki's initiative will be a boon to the region's economy while being sensitive to environmental concerns." 

State Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "Under the Governor's leadership, the state is 'working on the railroad' to help improve service and increase jobs in the region. These improvements will ensure the preservation of this important state resource for future generations to enjoy." 

 

[Miningman]

Something you won't see Anderson do... verbotten!

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/690013/

 

[Miningman]

In many ways the story of us all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLXQfzH8toQ

 

 

[Electroliner 1935]

Its tough to think how much he did for Amtrak. And I find it fortunate that Amtrak had both Mr. Claytor and Mr. Boardman at the helm. If only Anderson could approach what they did.

[Miningman]

Thank you for your reply Eloctroliner 1935.  Plenty of 'hits' but no replies. Found it odd, especially as he was such a champion for Amtrak. 

[Paul of Covington]

   Being a master procrastinator, I had been thinking of commenting and was phrasing it in my head, but electroliner pretty much said what I was thinking.   We could use another Claytor or Boardman, someone who takes a genuine interest in running things right.