Reviving the Rails:
How Broome County Can Reconnect and Thrive
Broome County once thrived with passenger rail services that connected residents to New York City and other key areas, fostering economic growth and accessibility. The dismantling of this system in the mid-20th century severed vital connections, but the recent resurgence of interest in rail transit offers a pathway to revival. Scranton’s $8.9 million federal grant for its rail restoration project provides a roadmap, projecting significant economic and social benefits.
Scranton estimates its restored rail connection to New York City could generate $87 million in annual economic benefits. This includes boosts to tourism, business development, and property values. Broome County could anticipate similar outcomes, benefiting from increased tourism and event attendance as New Yorkers and visitors from other regions gain easy access to local attractions, festivals, and cultural sites. The rail could also bring visitors to venues like the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena or local wineries and outdoor recreation areas, creating jobs and spurring local spending.
Additionally, a restored rail system would provide a critical link for Broome County residents needing access to specialized healthcare services in urban centers like New York City. For
those in rural parts of the county, affordable and reliable rail travel could make routine medical appointments more feasible. Conversely, the rail could also attract healthcare providers and specialists to the region by increasing its connectivity, helping to alleviate healthcare access gaps locally.
Broome County’s initiative could draw on federal programs the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants are available to fund such transformative projects. Scranton’s success highlights the potential for Broome County to tap into similar resources. With the right advocacy, local and state leaders could secure matching funds, as Pennsylvania did, to rebuild critical infrastructure. Additionally, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created unprecedented opportunities for rail funding, prioritizing projects that enhance regional connectivity and economic equity.. If successful, the project would not only honor the county’s historical legacy but also position it as a modern hub for economic development and regional connectivity.
With thoughtful planning and robust advocacy, Broome County can turn the success of Scranton’s rail resurgence into an achievable vision for its own future.