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Lewis County Announces Official Acquisition of
Railroad Property to Advance Rail Trail Vision
Published: November 05, 2025
at 12:45 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Lewis County Office of Communications and Public Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEWIS COUNTY ACQUIRES RAILROAD PROPERTY TO ADVANCE
RAIL TRAIL VISION
LOWVILLE, NY — The Lewis County
Board of Legislators is pleased to announce the official acquisition of
former railroad property as part of the county’s long-term Trail
initiative. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter
in expanding community connectivity and outdoor recreation across the
region.
With the purchase
now complete, the next step is to re-engage with Alta Planning + Design,
the consulting firm chosen by Lewis County Legislators in 2023, to begin
developing a comprehensive master plan for this new addition to the
County’s trail system.
“This is a major
step forward, but it’s just the beginning,” said Tim Hunt, County Manager.
“We’re committed to doing this the right way, with careful planning,
environmental responsibility, and strong community involvement.”
While no
immediate construction will begin, the County will work closely with Alta
and their teaming partners to develop the master plan. The master plan
development process will include ample opportunities for public input,
including, but not limited to, community engagement sessions to gather
feedback and ideas from residents, landowners, and trail users.
The master plan
will also include environmental and structural assessments, trail
feasibility, concept engineering and order of magnitude cost estimates, and
will develop project priorities through a comprehensive master planning
effort. These are all critical steps to ensure the project is safe,
sustainable, and beneficial for all. Once the Plan is finalized, the county
is committed to following it as a roadmap for project prioritization and
implementation.
While
infrastructure assets do require financial investment, Lewis County will
actively pursue funding opportunities to support trail development. These
leveraged funds will play a vital role in realizing the public’s vision for
this transportation and recreational asset in Lewis County, ensuring it is
enjoyed for generations to come.
For more
information and updates on the Trails initiative, please visit: https://lewiscountyny.gov/railtrailinitiative/
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