Lyons Amtrak station would help tourism

Congressman Jim Walsh announced that Amtrak has confirmed it will add the Village of Lyons to its service list once a passenger rail station is constructed in Wayne County.

With Amtrak's agreement to service the station, approvals must now be obtained from CSX and Norfolk Southern, which own the track. Project design and considerable safety considerations must still be worked out with each entity before construction can begin.

'Amtrak's sign-off is a major step towards the construction of a Wayne County rail station,' said Walsh. 'My office will continue to work with CSX to obtain the appropriate approvals from them as well. The addition of a stop in Lyons will enhance area quality of life and encourage tourism.'

Wayne County has already secured $1 million in New York State funds for the project's construction. A survey by the county last year found that 20,000 passengers would use the Lyons facility in its first year of operation; up to 30,000 per year after five years. Walsh indicated that the addition of the fast ferry in Rochester combined with a special link to the Lyons rail station could greatly expand tourism opportunities for the area.

The previous Lyons rail station closed in 1963.

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