Finally, after years of lack-a-any action, the Lackawanna Cutoff station and subsequent re-establishment of passenger train service to Sussex County may be getting back on track. At least efforts are afoot to remove an irritating obstacle.

Finally, after years of lack-a-any action, the Lackawanna Cutoff station and subsequent re-establishment of passenger train service to Sussex County may be getting back on track.

At least efforts are afoot to remove an irritating obstacle.

The Andover Township Committee this week moved to use its muscle to force a decision on a stalemate regarding the rebuilding of a private culvert that has prevented -- for three years so far and counting -- the building of a train station for which funds have already been secured.

An ordinance introduced Monday night authorizes the township attorney or a special counsel to begin proceedings, either through negotiations or eminent domain, to obtain temporary easement to rebuild the culvert that goes under a driveway and past a barn at the Hudson Farm property, across the road from where the station is planned.

To date, the owners of the property have refused to allow the state on its property to do the work, arguing that there is a better location for the proposed station and rebuilding the culvert could result in flooding on their property.

NJ Transit has been ready to get the station built but ran into a roadblock from the state Department of Environmental Protection that refused to grant the final necessary permit without the culvert work which, by the way, it would perform at no charge to Hudson Farm. The DEP contends the yet-to-be constructed station would be endangered in the event of a "hundred-year" flood.

It is important to note that the existing culvert has been performing its purpose well and has passed the test of not just one, but two hundred-year storms in Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in the years since the DEP modified its classification system calling for greater concern for the small tributary that flows from Hudson Farm.

The culvert acts as a check on the flow of the stream, allowing a certain volume of water. DEP notes that should the culvert fail -- reasonably less likely if a new one is built -- the ensuing flood could damage the station. The held-back water would temporarily be on Hudson Farm property.

Even if the culvert were to fail, the station at risk is planned simply as an open-air concrete platform with a roof and central kiosk for ticket sales.

Still, if rebuilding the culvert will clear the way for the station, then get it rebuilt. And if the township can force that to happen, then force it. If the culvert work is unnecessary as some profess and that determination can be agreed on, even better and quicker. Either way, let's move on.

Efforts to come to terms with the property owners have not been fruitful and continue to delay the project. Andover Township Attorney Fred Semrau said he and some township officials attended one of the negotiating sessions between NJ Transit and Hudson Farm.

"We heard the arguments," he said. "I don't believe there will ever be an agreement."

The project, which has bipartisan support among state and federal representatives, would serve not only as a commuter connection but also create a path for much-needed economic growth.

As is, time available to build the station is already limited. Because of DEP restrictions to protect habitat for endangered and threatened species, clearing the wooded area where the station is to be built can only be done during late fall and winter months.

Given the opposition from the property owners and their financial means to wage a formidable legal challenge, Andover's efforts will likely end up in court. But that may be what it takes to get the train out of the station.

A public hearing on Andover's proposed ordinance is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, and could lead to a vote that evening.