This policy option or model program profile relates to the following issue overview(s):

Environment and Natural Resources   

Summer 2010

Goal Statement    

     To find an effect way to redevelop the the old railroads, in the Village of Menands, NY, into something that could be beneficial to the local community and the purposed greenway located between Siena College and the Hudson River.

Policy Options / Model Programs   

     These model programs and policy options show effective methods for redeveloping railroads into something that is beneficial to a community.  These programs can be used to redevelop the old railroads that are located in the area of the purposed greenway. 

• Policy Option - Tunnel Hill State Trail in Illinois
• Policy Option - Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin

Local/State/National Information   

• Redevelopment of Old Railroad Tracks - USA

• Redevelopment of Old Railroad Tracks - New York State
• Redevelopment of Old Railroad Tracks- Colonie/Menands, NY
  

   

Glossary of Terms    

• Rail Trail:  A rail trail is the conversion of a disused railway easement into a multi-use path, typically for walking, cycling and sometimes horse riding. The characteristics of former tracks—flat, long, frequently running through historical areas—are appealing for various development.

• Right of Way:  A right-of-way is a strip of land that is granted, through an easement or other mechanism, for transportation purposes, such as for a rail line or highway. A right-of-way is reserved for the purposes of maintenance or expansion of existing services with the right-of-way.

   

Bibliography    

Policy

• "About Rails-to-Trails Conservancy:". Rail to Trails Conservancy. 07/9/2010 <http://www.railstotrails.org/aboutus/index.html>.

• "Frequently Asked Questions". Rail to Trails Conservancy. 07/9/2010 <http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/trailBasics/FAQs.html> 
• "NYSDOT Rail-Related Bureaus - Freight and High-Speed/Intercity Passenger". New York State Department of Transportation. 7/6/2010 <https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/passenger-rail>.
• "Rail-Related Bureaus - Freight and High-Speed/Intercity Passenger Regional Rail Coordinators". New York State Department of Transportation. 7/6/2010 <https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/passenger-rail/regional-rail-coordinators>.
• "Rail Trails Law/Policies Regarding Rail Trails - Rail Banking, Preferential Rights". New York State Department of Transportation. 7/6/2010 <https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/passenger-rail/passenger-rail-service/rail-trails/law-policies>.
• "Rail Trails". New York State Department of Transportation. 7/6/2010 <https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/passenger-rail/passenger-rail-service/rail-trails/statistics>.
• "RTC in the Making". Rail to Trails Conservancy. 07/9/2010 <http://www.railstotrails.org/aboutUs/history/index.html>.
• "What is Railbanking?". Rail to Trails Conservancy. 07/9/2010 <http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/advocacy/policyAndFunding/railbanking.html>.

Policy Option #1

• "South Trails". Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 06/30/2010 <http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/tunnel.htm>
• "Tunnel Hill State Trail". Traillink.com. 06/30/2010 <http://www.traillink.com/trail/tunnel-hill-state-trail.aspx>

Policy Option #2

• "Elory Sparta State Trail". Elroy-Sparta State Trail. 07/01/2010 <http://www.elroy-sparta-trail.com/>.
• "Elory Sparta State Trail". Traillink.com. 07/01/2010 <http://www.traillink.com/trail/elroy-sparta-state-trail.aspx/>.
• "History of the Elroy-Sparta Trail". Elroy-Sparta State Trail. 07/01/2010 <http://www.elroy-sparta-trail.com/history.htm>.