NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council endorsed the Northern Tier Passenger Rail plan on Tuesday, adding to a chorus of support from officials and community leaders along the proposed route.

 

"The completion of the Northern Tier Passenger Rail contributes to the economic development and emboldenment of communities throughout the state, allowing for North Adams to revitalize its tourism sector, create new avenues of revenue production and economic opportunities for all residents," the resolution introduced by President Bryan Sapienza and Councilor Andrew Fitch states. 

 

The vote was unanimous, with Councilor Keith Bona absent, although Councilor Ashley Shade was wary of a full-throated endorsement this early in the scheme. 

 

"The potential of this project could have a huge impact on the future of Western Massachusetts, especially Northern Berkshire," she said. "It would give us access to the eastern part of the state, which we are incredibly isolated from, and we haven't had in 70 years."

 

But it won't start, if at all, for years — possibly a decade, Shade added.  

 

"So while I support a project like this, I wonder if we're pulling a trigger on a resolution too soon, without really having full details of what a project's going to be, what kind of investment the city will be required to put in, what kind of impact environmentally," she said. "There's six programs, and I believe they said four of them probably aren't even viable. So I support the project, and I think it's incredibly important for North Adams. I just wonder if we're jumping out a little too far ahead before we actually know what this thing is going to be."

 

The Northern Tier is one of several potential west-east rail services being weighed by state and federal officials. The study of west-east passenger rail, including from Pittsfield east, was made possible by an act of the Legislature in 2022 and some $16 billion is being targeted for the Northeast rail corridor by the Biden administration.