Ulster County legislators are moving forward with plans to address the contentious rail and trail proposal following a recent meeting on June 5, 2025. The discussion centered around the need for an independent engineering assessment of a specific section of the proposed corridor, which has faced significant scrutiny from various stakeholders.

The meeting highlighted the challenges in finding a neutral engineering firm to conduct the assessment. Legislators noted that previous attempts to secure independent evaluations have been complicated by stakeholders' interests. The Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) has been a key player in the discussions, having previously submitted proposals that have raised concerns among other community members.

Legislator Stewart emphasized the importance of an unbiased study, suggesting that county funds should be used to hire an independent firm through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This approach aims to ensure that the assessment is free from any financial influence from stakeholders, which could compromise the integrity of the findings.

A report from 2015 indicated significant challenges for the rail and trail concept, particularly concerning environmental concerns related to wetlands. Legislators referenced this report as a critical factor in their discussions, noting that it concluded the proposed trail could not be feasibly constructed without risking significant erosion and environmental damage.

In response to the ongoing debate, some legislators expressed support for revisiting the engineering study, with the hope that a fresh perspective could clarify the feasibility of the project. However, concerns were raised about the potential bias if stakeholders were allowed to fund the study.

As the county moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that any future assessments are conducted impartially, reflecting the interests of the entire community rather than individual stakeholders. The outcome of this initiative could have lasting implications for transportation and recreational access in Ulster County, as the legislature seeks to balance development with environmental stewardship.