The County of Ulster (“the County”) is seeking proposals from experienced operators of tourist railroads or similar type of rail operations to conduct such operations on one, or both, of two available segments of the County-owned Ulster & Delaware (“U&D”) Railroad corridor. The County, through resolution of its Legislature, has designated two (2) segments of the U&D Corridor that will be made available for use for tourism railroad purposes known as the Eastern and Western segments.

Both track segments are currently under permits issued by the County that expire on December 31, 2023. The eastern segment permit is held by a tourist railroad operator and the western permit is issued to a railbike operation.

The County has a robust tourism sector fueled by its proximity to New York Metropolitan Area and its varied recreational and cultural offerings of which the U&D Corridor has an important role. The Eastern segment offered as part of this RFP begins in the heart of historic Kingston extending westward for 4.5 miles. A successful tourist rail operation has been in place on this segment since 2018. The Western segment is approximately 30 miles west of the City of Kingston in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. The segment of approximately 4.2 miles included a truly remarkable scenic section along the Esopus Creek. The segment has been home to a rail bike operation since 2018.

The County, in issuing this RFP, seeks to maximize the community benefits associated with its ownership of the U&D Corridor including increased economic activity, visitor and resident recreational opportunities, job opportunities, and maintenance of its rail infrastructure in those sections of the corridor under permit. In addition, permits issued by the County will be structured to protect the quality of life for those living along the Corridor and the health and safety of those using the operations under permit.