NEWCOMB, N.Y. -
An abandoned rail line in Essex County is back on the fast track.
Federal regulators have approved plans by the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad to resume freight service to Tahawus. The plan is to haul rock tailings from two mines between Newcomb and North Creek. It's estimated that 40 million tons of crushed stones are available for things such as construction projects.
The mines closed back in the 1989 eliminating 500 jobs.
It's unclear how long it will take to start the rail service.
"It's been 22 years since there's been any freight over it, so there's obviously some washouts, other things that need to be done to bring it up to speed," said George Canon, R-Newcomb Town Supervisor.
Canon says restarting the rail line will likely mean about a dozen jobs for the town of Newcomb.
