DOT has found that 15 percent of Amtrak's delayed arrivals is because of crossing the border, while 80 percent of delays are caused by having to wait for freight traffic.

More sidings are needed to ensure that traffic flows better, Rae said. Improving four key sidings is a key part of that vision and could substantially decrease rail travel time from the border to Albany, she said.

TOURIST TRAIN

State Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensbury) said it's important to preserve the last rail line that runs through the heart of the Adirondack Park. The Adirondack On Track Partnership is pushing for rehabilitation of the Adirondack rail line between Remsen and Lake Placid, with a priority on the portion between Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.

"One of the things that I think is terribly important about the rail lines in the Adirondack Park is that if you take them up, you'll never get them back," Little said.

Even if it's only for tourist use now, it keeps that line alive for passenger or freight use in the future, she said.

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru) said that while the region's communities and people are second to none, the area doesn't have the tax base to go it alone.

"We need to encourage more tourism, to bring people in and to provide alternative methods of transportation."

Douglas said the Adirondack rail line is important if Lake Placid ever wants to host another Winter Olympic Games.

"That won't happen without that rail line. It's the only way to bring that many people to the region."

dheath@pressrepublican.com