PLATTSBURGH -- Rail infrastructure is the last part of the vision to create a Port of Excellence border crossing and fully develop the Quebec-New York Corridor.

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That was one of the messages delivered to State of New York Department of Transportation Policy and Planning Division Deputy Commissioner Karen Rae as she was briefed on the region's transportation strategy during a two-day visit to the North Country.

RAIL TRAIL LACKING

Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas repeated his mantra that where things move is where prosperity occurs.

The region is poised to take advantage of that, he said, because of its position as Montreal's U.S. suburb and its location in the Quebec-New York Corridor.

Douglas said the $107 million Port of Excellence project has addressed truck-traffic issues and that completion of the project will do the same for cars and buses.

"This will be the most efficient, modern, flexible border crossing in the United States."

Boats are now accommodated by the new inspection dock on the north side of the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge in Rouses Point.

The rail crossing at Rouses Point is the last piece of the chamber's vision for a Port of Excellence, he said, but that part of the vision is not pleasant at the moment.

"That crossing is a disgrace," Douglas said.

It needs improvement because it is the first thing seen by rail travelers as they enter the country.

CAUSE OF DELAYS

State Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R-Willsboro) said New York state provides $5 million a year to the rail line that runs north-south through the Quebec-New York Corridor. She said that money should be spent on improving Amtrak's ability to run on time.

Rae said part of DOT's rail plan was to look at its rail investments across the state, both freight and passenger.