What is the purpose of the study?

Lewis County is undertaking a transformative initiative to convert approximately 25 miles of former railroad corridor, recently acquired from Genesee Valley Transportation, into a multi-use rail trail system connecting the Villages of Croghan and Lowville in Lewis County and the Village of Carthage in Jefferson County.
The Rail Trail Master Plan will provide a comprehensive roadmap to guide the adaptive reuse of this corridor into a network of recreational and community spaces that celebrate the region’s historic assets while supporting economic growth, tourism, and improve quality of life for residents and visitors.

What are the goals of the study?

TBD

Who is involved?

The Lewis County Rail Trail Master Plan project involves a wide array of officials, stakeholders, and community members. Overall, project teams are broken into two committees, the Core Team and the Steering Committee.
The Core Team will guide the overall project and will meet as needed to review progress. This committee includes individuals from the Consultant Team and the County who are jointly managing the study. The Core Team consists of:
● Timothy Hunt County Manager● Jackie Mahoney County Recreation, Forestry, & Parks Director● Casandra Buell County Planning & Community Development Director● Consultant Team
The Steering Committee will provide overall project oversight and administrative support to help guide the successful completion of the Rail Trail Master Plan. The Committee will offer strategic input and support decision-making at key milestones while allowing the Consultant Team to lead the technical analysis and development of the Plan. The Steering Committe consists of:
● Jackie Mahoney County Recreation, Forestry, & Parks Director● Lawrence (Larry) Dolhof Board of Legislator Chairman● Timothy Hunt County Manager● Joan McNichol County Attorney● Casandra Buell County Planning & Community Development Director● John Reed County Highway Superintendent ● County Treasurer (TBD)