Councilwoman Kate Russell said that neither she nor the Town of Webb board should be perceived as having supported any side in the debate as to the Adirondack Rail Corridor’s future.
The board passed a resolution recently which urged the State of New York to review its Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the rail corridor.
This position is shared by the Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates (ARTA) group, but Webb Supervisor Ted Riehle stated that the town’s motivation in pursing the review diverts from that of ARTA, which seeks to change the existing UMP in a way that would discontinue rail possibilities.
Riehle said the town by its resolution has sought only a review for the purpose of making the UMP line up with current priorities in the Adirondacks.
The town desires no particular outcome for that review.
Riehle added that there have been a lot of conflicting claims made by parties on either side of the debate, which he said does not serve the public’s desire to know the facts before rendering an opinion as to the rail corridor’s future.
A review of the UMP will help that situation, he said.
Further, Riehle voiced support for the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which serves Webb at the Thendara Station.
The discussion was had at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, March 12.
