State Leaders, trail supporters celebrate completion of rail trail Saturday
by Dan McClelland
The great room of the train station was filled Saturday afternoon with many of the people who have been working on the new Adirondack Rail Trail for years. Their cause of celebration was to commemorate the completion of the third and final leg of the new biking, hiking and snowmobile trail connecting the Tri-lakes villages.
The new Tupper Lake terminus of the now finished rail trail is down the tracks a couple of hundred yards from the station, adjacent to McCarthy Street and just beyond the new state 179-vehicle parking lot on Washington Street.
The event, hosted by the state DEC’s region 5 director Joseph Zalewski, featured addresses from three past and present state commissioners and the new executive director of ARTA (the Adirondack Rail Trail Association.
He welcomed the 150 or so guests that day on behalf of the state’s DEC, DOT and OGS agencies which all played roles in the completion of the new rail trail, the subject of, in his words, that day’s “special announcement.”
“I think it’s fitting that we are here today in Tupper Lake to make this announcement because Tupper Lake is actually the junction and one of the many local communities that will benefit from this truly one of a kind project in the Adirondack Park. To tell us more about today’s important milestone, it is my pleasure to introduce the DEC’s commissioner, Amanda Lefton.
“This is a truly exciting day” to be with so many great people in the room, Ms. Lefton began.
“I want to acknowledge that today comes after two decades of work. Some of the folks in the room have been working to make today a reality for decades, right Joe?” she said looking over at former DEC Commissioner Joe Martens who was also among the speakers. “-And that’s truly amazing!”
According to Commissioner Lefton,
“The secret to delivering this incredibly important milestone with one important thing: Governor Hochul’s leadership in making it a reality!”
Loud applause erupted.
“After many decades as a dream, Governor Hochul made it a reality.” Secondly it was the determination of ARTA in its long campaign, she added.
“It is a great honor to celebrate this milestone with you all today.
She recognized the support of who she called “Joe’s better half,” Kathleen Martens, who was not able to be there that day. Ms. Lefton acknowledged her leadership role for a time with ARTA, prior to the arrival of its new executive director, Julia Goren.
She also thanked Mr. Martens for his “many decades of conservation leadership” in this state.
She recognized her agency’s many teams that worked on the rail trail project, as well as who she called “their partners in other agencies.”
She said the “best thing about working for the Governor Hochul administration- other than the privilege of working for her- “is the amazing cabinet she has put together, including Jeanette Moy, who she called “the best commissioner OGS has ever had and who helped make this a reality!”
She also applauded the commissioner of the DOT, Marie Theresa Dominguez,, who couldn’t attend as she was traveling that day. Representing her was Rob Haynes, the DOT’s Region 7 regional director.
She also introduced Cathy Moser, who started Monday as the state’s new parks, recreation and historic preservation commissioner.
“We are here today to celebrate the arrival of piece number three of the rail trail. This is truly a milestone today, having completed the entire rail trail which unites the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake through a 34-mile fully accessible trail that highlights the unique charms and beauty of the Adirondacks, while providing access to miles of breath-taking trails, many campsites, waterways and forests!”
“-And while we completed the rail trail today and while we are still working on interpretive signs...it is important to note this rail trail has been built to Americans with Disabilities standards.
“It furthers the importance that these lands are for everyone… and as we continue to focus on accessibility throughout the Adirondack through this all-season world class recreational opportunity.”
Not only will she and millions of others be able to walk or ride their bikes on this new rail trail, people will be able to cross country ski and snowmobile each winter.
“I am so grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and for the years of tireless work from so many people in this room today to make this a reality. And part of that reality is through funding from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, which in this year’s budget has hit historic highs of $420 million for our state’s environmental protection.
Loud applause!
Also funding the trail were sums from the state’s most recent environmental bond act and through the program, “New York Works,” she noted.
“I am honored here today to help cut the ribbon on this 34-mile rail trail and to make sure we continue to provide world class facilities for folks in the North Country, in New York State and beyond! I look forward to seeing you all out on the trail!” she concluded.
Mr. Zalewski next introduced Jeanette Moy, commissioner of OGS, who he said was “our sister agency whose team was instrumental in designing, bidding and building our trail.
Mrs. Moy said she was pleased to be in Tupper Lake that day and with so many of the people responsible, alongside Governor Hochul, for creating this amazing new trail.
“Nearly three years ago Governor Hochul asked our agency to become part of this project. She wanted to make sure that what was being discussed about the new trail “were being put into action.”
“Our team has been working very hard since then to transform this section of railroad into this incredible rail trail connection” between the three communities. She said this new facility will allow all sorts of people to visit this region of the Adirondacks and use the trail by many means- on foot, by bike, by wheel chair, on skis and by snowmobile.
Mrs. Moy said many have already been using two-thirds of the new trail, and some even using the final third, although it was not quite finished until Saturday.
“This recreational space will also share the history of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and we look forward to sharing that information through plentiful interpretive signage” along the trail.
“This new rail trail has really created a must- see destination in the North Country. It will allow thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to our state to visit this beautiful space in the Adirondacks and to take advantage of gorgeous weather, like we are having today.
She said she hoped many will follow the advice: “Get off-line and go outside. She promised to encourage her children to do that. She said too this will be a great place for people to explore the beauty of New York.
Mrs. Moy said the trail will not only generate tourist traffic, it will help the economies of the communities along it.
She said she knows the requirements of the many people who use this new trail will spill over as new commerce for the many businesses in the communities along it.
She said her agency next year will begin working on renovations to the historic train station in Saranac Lake.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Governor Hochul, our many state partners and the many supporters of the trail. She quoted the old adage that when public and private agencies come together on projects like this, amazing things can happen.
She also congratulated and applauded two of the major contractors on the rail trail: Kubricky Construction and Rifenberg Construction “for their really excellent work that we all will enjoy for decades.”
She commended the work of her teams which worked alongside their counterparts with the DEC, including OGS’ Jordan Marsh, who she said was with the project from start to finish and who was in attendance with his family that day. “Jordan worked across every phase of this project, and this was his third baby!”
She said her agency is currently involved with over 500 capital projects in this state, “but I can tell you it’s projects like this that people most remember!”
“I would like to thank all of you for your great work and I would like to remind everyone that project’s like these have an immeasurable value in the health of our communities” and by promoting healthy behaviors for everyone. Projects like this really give back to our communities and I hope this rail trail will be something all of you will use and enjoy with your families, as we continue to bring more people to New York in order to enjoy our great outdoors. I look forward to seeing all of you at the re-opening of the Saranac Lake rail depot and outside on our new rail trail.
Mr. Zalewski next introduced Rob Haynes, representing the DOT.
“On behalf of Commissioner Dominguez I’m delighted to be here, spending the afternoon with you. Tourism is the No. 1 industry here in the Adirondacks and millions of people visit this region every year to enjoy our great outdoors and one of a kind landscapes.
“Looking at the leaves on my way here today, it is truly remarkable!
“Today we are celebrating new ways that visitors and residents can view these impressive landscapes by rail or bike, or by snowmobile or on skis in the winter time, by way of the Remsen to Lake Placid corridor.
“The $13.5 million dollar upgrade you see today outside the station was constructed by the DOT with Engineer Mike LaPage, who is with us today, in charge.
He said the improvements to the entire corridor were just “starting in 1999, when he arrived in Franklin County.”
He said the DOT improvements around the station included two covered platforms, a maintenance facility and rehabilitated track system which now enables the ARPS to bring hundreds of visitors to Tupper Lake and other communities in the park” on many summer weekends.
“The DOT was also proud to lay the foundation for the rail trail be removing the rails from between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. Today we have the opportunity for the region to attract new visitors to stimulate the economies of our communities here. -And it’s also about celebrating these new opportunities for people from around the area and from around the world to enjoy our special park.
“Usually the DOT celebrates the arrival of new bridges and roads. But today is different. We’re celebrating a new partnership with the DEC, with OGS and with many local governments. We’re talking about economic development through tourism!”
“I’d like to thank our partners at OGS, DEC and the local governments for helping to make this a successful event. This is a special day and one worth celebrating. Thank you for inviting me to share this special day with you!”
Next speaker was Julia Goren, executive director of ARTA. Of the volunteer organization she represents Mr. Zalewski said “its advocacy for the trail helped shape the experience it offers the communities and the visitors today and with whose partnership it will help us maintain the trail as the world class experience it really is!”
“I’d like to begin with this question: who has already been out on the trail?” Ms. Goren began her remarks. Loud applause and hoots of affirmation.
“-And who of you enjoyed that experience?”
More hooting and clapping.
She grinned broadly.
Ms. Goren thanked the agencies who produced the trail and Governor Hochul,
“for her dedication to the North Country communities in seeing this project through to completion.
“-And I’d also like to thank the staff in DEC Region 5 who have put so much work, so much sweat and blood into the rail trail!”
“I’d also like to thank the municipal partners of the Adirondack Rail Trail Association,” she said listing the handful of towns and villages along its corridor. This trail is here today because of your foresight, persistence and collaborations, she said of the work of the leaders of those towns and villages.
“This project happened because certain individuals had a vision for our communities...that with a world-class recreational asset we would have healthier families, stronger local businesses and better economies that reflect the best of the Adirondacks.”
She said the founders of ARTA- many of them in the room this afternoon- are owed a big round of applause.
Huge applause from the crowd.
“They spotted its potential and they rolled up their sleeves and went to work. It took patience, it took compromise, it took partnerships and it took a lot of risks to get from that idea until today.
“Today we’ll start to see the impact: families walking together, bike riders and snowmobilers exploring local towns, visitors and our downtown shops, new businesses have been created and others expanded. It’s already working!
“Since ARTA’s trail counters were put up in 2024, there have been 229,000 visits by residents and visitors to the trail. The Adirondack Rail Trail is more than recreational infrastructure. It’s a backbone for community vitality.” She also said it is also a reminder that from communities and state leaders work who together ideas can come new assets.
“At ARTA we know today is only the beginning and there’s plenty of work ahead. There’s connections to be done, there’s amenities to be added, and more.
“With continued effort and partnerships, this project will fulfill its full potential, she stressed.
“On behalf of ARTA, thank you commissioners, thank you volunteers and local government leaders. Thank you, Governor Hochul, and thank you all for believing in this project and setting us onto a brighter, more connected future,” she concluded.
“Thank you ARTA for your strong support of this project and on your future partnership for years to come,” Mr. Zalewski told Ms. Goren as she left the podium.
Final speaker was former DEC commissioner, Joe Martens, who the host said was at the “helm of the DEC when there was much public debate, many protests and critical decisions that needed to be made regarding the future of the Remsen to Lake Placid travel corridor.
“No prepared remarks,” Mr. Martens promised, saying the speakers before him had said the important things.
“The old adage good things come to those who wait,” he said is appropriate that day, admitting it has been 20 years since all this started.
“In my mind, it’s the eighth wonder of the world! I know all of you have been already on the trail, and in all my experiences on it, have been smiles. Every person is smiling as they approach others coming in the opposite direction. The trail has already brought a lot of joy to the North Country and to the visitors to this region. They are coming from all over...literally from all around the world!
“I can’t say enough about state government, frankly. I’ve spent a lot of time in and out of state government. There is no limit to the good the state can do!
“Another person who can’t be forgotten in all of this, who worked for the DEC and started the administrative process for the rail trail project to go forward, is Joan McDonald, the DOT commissioner at the time.
“Historically and to this day the DOT are rail advocates. They want to keep rails in place in this state! -And there’s a lot of reasons for that.
“Joan and I rode the railroad on the southern end and then got on a highrailer truck and rode all the way to Lake Placid. Both of us spent a ton of time reading the many reports prepared by the ARTA at the time, and talked about a trail’s economic impact, and together Joan and I said in a very solemn like way “We are going to split the baby. We’re not going to threaten to split...we are going to split it and we’re willing to meet in the middle, so here we are in Tupper Lake today, 20 years later...right here in the middle.
“And for all the angst in the world today, this division has brought people together...it brought the rail community in with the trail community. It has also brought a lot of health benefits.
“There are many people today who can’t hike the High Peaks...who can’t handle rough Adirondack trails. But these people can handle an Adirondack rail trail, and they can experience, without having to hike a million miles to do it.
“When I go out on our rail trail, I see people with disabilities. I see mothers and fathers with carriages carrying small children. It’s a phenomenal resource and I can’t say enough about all the people who had a hand in creating it!
“Thanks also to Governor Hochul, who actually made this happen. “It was not cheap to build, but it was obviously money well spent!” he concluded to loud applause.