This letter first appeared in the Daily Freeman on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
The Camoin Group is a highly respected economic forecasting and consulting firm known for making conservative projections. It did reliable work for both the Walkway Over the Hudson (2008) and the Ashokan Rail Trail (2013).
Camoin did a 2023 economic research study that estimates total economic impact for the Ashokan Rail Trail at $17.4 million in sales — this is more than double the 2023 economic benefits reported by the Catskill Mountain Railroad of $7 million.
The Camoin Study also projects that with a connection to Kingston (which means linking to the Empire State Trail and other pedestrian/bike trails in Ulster County), the economic contribution of the trail will increase to $24 million.
Nationwide there’s been explosive growth in active tourism — trips built around physical activities or sports like hiking, biking, climbing, etc. Whether you’re from New York City or your flight from elsewhere connects there, where’s the most beautiful scenic landscape, with exciting culture, and delicious local cuisine? Ulster County! Active tourism is already a major economic driver in Ulster County. Into the future, it shows a projected annual growth rate of 16.1% from 2025 to 2030. Kingston and Ulster County are perfectly positioned for this, and we should continue to protect our landscapes and build and enhance our network of trails to benefit all kinds of businesses throughout the county.
First among these priorities should be connecting the destination Ashokan Rail Trail to the trail network hub in Kingston. The county-owned U&D corridor makes this a no-brainer, an easy and economical boost that will expand our active tourism appeal.
— Ralph Durham
West Hurley
