Quote:
Originally Posted by jetskier
It is interesting to see that the city and WOW Org now believe that their cause has more value than the existing railroad which is clearly a revenue producing entity, directly creates jobs and is a long term asset of merit.
A full engineering study will cost significantly more than $50k...so, this study is going to be cursory and it will say two things when the day is done:
- That the WOW trail will be a significant economic driver for the region...more so than the railroad.
- That the cost of building the trail in the existing rail bed will be much cheaper than building adjacent to the tracks.
So, now a few data points:
- About 6 miles of the planned WOW trail has been built including connectivity to the center of Laconia. Can anyone point to data showing any direct economic benefit? Not hearsay...actual data. I have never seen a bicycle or a runner at the local restaurants.
- The railway is used for more than the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. It is the only connection from Concord to north of Meredith. So this interferes with freight and isolates a current repair depot.
- The has never been an abandonment of a rail line in New Hampshire.
- The train allows a number of tourists who are not capable of using the WOW trail to enjoy the lake.
The state is considering building a sports center at the existing prison property on route 106. Doesn't it make much more sense to have a route that connects to that?
The WOW Trail prohibits motorized vehicles which will make it very interesting relative to the fact that this is also part of the snow mobile trail system.
There are alternative routes that allow the railroad to continue operating, could connect to the sports center (presuming it moves forward) and be of reasonable cost. The city and WOW Org is casting a deaf ear to alternative proposals.
Just my 2 cents
Jetskier  |
Jetskier I know we are on opposite ends on this topic but I am strongly against abandoning the railroad for the WOW Trail.
I do have a question, you stated the rail line is also used for freight.
In my 12 years here I have never seen a freight line go though this area. Am I wrong or just have not seen it? Just curious as I said I do not want the rail to be abandoned. Thanks.
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