Saranac Lake, NY — The Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Catalyst Program grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to support a comprehensive, community-centered planning initiative for the Adirondack Rail Trail.

This grant will allow ARTA to facilitate a holistic planning process that brings together state and municipal partners, community members, and regional stakeholders to create a unified vision for the future of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail, specifically focusing on the intersection between the trail and its communities.

“Receiving NBRC support is a powerful affirmation of the Adirondack Rail Trail’s role as a regional asset,” said Julia Goren, ARTA’s Executive Director. “This funding will help us ensure that the trail continues to serve residents, visitors, and local communities for generations to come.”

This planning process will address four main needs: community connector routes linking the Adirondack Rail Trail to downtowns, facilities, parks, and cultural attractions; assessing user needs for restrooms, water, bike racks and repair stations, parking, and informational resources; working with communities on wayfinding signs between the trail and downtown areas; and assessing and planning for long-term maintenance needs such as trash removal, snow clearing, restrooms, etc.

ARTA extends its gratitude to the many partners whose support made this grant possible, including the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, the Village of Saranac Lake, the Town of Tupper Lake, the Town of Harrietstown, the Town of Santa Clara, the Development Authority of the North Country, and local business leaders.

“The Adirondack Rail Trail is already transforming recreation and community connectivity across the region,” said Goren. “This grant will help communities and the DEC work together to plan thoughtfully, responsibly, and collaboratively for the next phase of its growth.”

About the Adirondack Rail Trail Association

The Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) supports and advises the trail towns and villages and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation on the promotion, management, maintenance, and operation of the Adirondack Rail Trail. ARTA is a 501c3 non-profit and serves as the trail’s friends group. The Adirondack Rail Trail is part of the NYS Forest Preserve and is managed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

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For more information, please contact:

Julia Goren

Executive Director

Adirondack Rail Trail Association
Julia@adirondackrailtrail.org   (518) 241-6589