For Immediate Release
May 10, 2024
Chair Peter Criswell Moves to Reestablish Ulster & Delaware Corridor Advisory Committee
(Kingston, NY) – Ulster County Legislature Chair Peter Criswell (District 7 – City of Kingston) has called for the reestablishment of a Committee to address ongoing use and future development of the Ulster & Delaware corridor and has introduced Resolution No. 241 to facilitate that discussion.
Under the previously established Trail Rail Advisory Committee (TRAC), it was determined that the segment of County owned rail between Mile Post 8.33 and Basin Road (WHAT TOWNS) required further investigation on the feasibility of rail with trail.
“Since the 2015 TRAC report, both rail and trail advocates have expressed desire to expand recreational activities in this area, warranting new review of the span. It's time to revisit a policy that has created great use of many parts of the corridor and now look at some of the unused sections and more complicated issues. It’s critical that all voices are heard, and that the committee honestly and fairly determine the highest and best use for this important gateway to the Catskills,” said Chair Criswell.
“The work of this Committee will serve to determine the best use for the last remaining unused few miles of the Ulster & Delaware Corridor between Kingston and the Ashokan Reservoir and will ensure that in expanding recreation for all, we minimize any negative impacts on local air, water, and surrounding land owners. I look forward to the analysis and considerations that will come from this Committee and commend Chair Criswell for moving forward on this important issue,” said Legislator Nolan (District 22), Chair of the Public Works, Capital Projects & Transportation Committee.
The Committee will be comprised of seven members of the Legislature; with three representing districts containing or abutting segments of the U&D corridor West of the Esopus Creek boundary of the City of Kingston, two members representing the City of Kingston, two members with districts outside the U&D property, with at least two of these members coming from the Minority Caucus.
Approved by the Public Works, Capital Projects & Transportation Committee in its May meeting, this Resolution will go to the full Legislature for consideration on May 14, 2024. Full text of Resolution No. 241 can be found here.
