Ulster board goes on record supporting west-side passenger-rail feasibility study

The Town of Ulster Town Board on June 4 voted to go on record supporting a feasibility study for passenger rail service on the west side of the river.

Legislator Mike Berardi addressed the board during public comment and said he and another legislator on the county committee had heard an All Aboard presentation supporting a feasibility study. Berardi said the study “does not commit the county or any other municipality to move forward or any construction costs” and that he voted in favor because it provides support without obligating municipalities.

Berardi warned the project would likely require a separate track bed for passenger service, possibly necessitating land acquisition. He also cited a 2006 joint study that identified 12 track crossings needing rehabilitation, saying most have not been addressed.

Following those remarks, a board member moved that the town go on record in support of the feasibility study; the motion passed by voice vote and the Moderator announced the board had recorded its support. Board members and the Moderator noted the study’s role is exploratory: it would evaluate feasibility and would not by itself authorize construction or spending by the town.

The board’s vote is a policy endorsement that signals local support for further study; any future actions — land acquisition, design, or construction — would require separate approvals.