Lewis County Purchase Railroads for Trails Initiative

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/