Letter to Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern - Holiday Train Tradition

Letter

Dear Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern:

I write on behalf of communities in Broome, Otsego, Schoharie and Schenectady Counties that have for years have participated in the annual tradition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. The much anticipated arrival of the holiday train in Conklin, Oneonta, Cobleskill, Delanson and Schenectady has become a staple of the region's holiday celebration, and an important fundraising event for local charitable organizations that provide critical support for those in need. Each year, families and friends would eagerly gather at the local rail yards to enjoy the holiday show, marvel at the festive holiday decorations and bring donations to support local food banks and other charitable organizations. This annual tradition brought together families, friends and neighbors, fostered a sense of community and inspired charitable giving.

The news that this much loved event would be discontinued in these communities has been met with much sadness and concern. As you know, the line that runs along the Southern Tier and into the Capital Region, which the Holiday Train utilized are now under Norfolk Southern ownership, and as a result it has been announced that the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train tradition will come to an end in those locations. I join area residents in the hopes that this cherished event can be preserved and I urge your companies to work together to find a solution that will keep this tradition alive for these communities and the local charitable organizations that participate every year.

The Holiday Train has been an important long standing community event. It allows families to celebrate together, and provides an opportunity to teach their children to give back to the community. In the absence of this event, the local charitable organizations would be left with a gap in funding and donations to fill at a time when they are most critically needed. While I was pleased to hear that Canadian Pacific has committed to making one last corporate donation to the dependent charities along the route, there is no plan for a Holiday Train event in these communities, and moving forward the entire revenue stream will be lost. Therefore, I urge Norfork Southern and Canadian Pacific to collaborate and on a solution that keeps the beloved Holiday Train tradition alive in the communities along this route.

Thank you for your consideration of this request, in the spirit of the holidays, to ensure that the Holiday Train tradition continues in the Southern Tier and Capital Region. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office.

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