(UPDATE: Below are the statements released in response to this decision by the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society and the state Department of Environmental Conservation.)

A state Supreme Court decision today has derailed New York State's proposed $23 million "Rails to Trails" plan in the Adirondacks, according to one state lawmaker.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica announced this afternoon that State Supreme Court Justice Robert Main, Jr., issued an order stopping the plan, saying the state's proposal to remove a portion of the Remsen-Lake Placid railroad line was "arbitrary and capricious." The decison was a victory for the Utica-based, Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which filed a lawsuit to stop the project.

The plan, which had the backing of the Cuomo administration, included removing some 34 miles of railroad tracks from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid to create a multi-use trail for bikers and hikers during most of the year - and snowmobilers and cross country skiers during the winter months.

It also involves renovating 45 miles of train tracks between Big Moose and Tupper Lake. The work between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid would cost an estimated $8 million; renovating the tracks between Big Moose and Tupper, $17 million.

Supporters of the plan, which includde a host of communities and local government leaders, said it would provide a new, economic boost to a popular area of the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Park Agency also gaveits approval.

The Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which has used the track for nearly two decades to provide railroad rides for tourists, alleged in its lawsuit filed last year that the state's plan was put together in an arbitrary and capricious manner, that the state's economic analysis supporting the plan was flawed and was carried out by a firm that previously was used by advocates of the trail plan - and that land ownership issues along the rail route were not adequately addressed.

In addition, the economic impact statement ignored the highly successful, Saranac Lake-based, Adirondack Rail Explorers business, which used special, pedal-driven railroad bikes to tour sections of the track between Tupper Lake and Lake Clear.

"Today's decision is a victory for the thousands of people who have contacted my office over the past several years objecting to the removal of a large segment of the railroad infrastructure on the Remsen to Lake Placid Travel Corridor," Brindisi said. "Officials with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad have been in limbo for a long time, and this ruling allows them to proceed with plans for a Utica to Lake Placid railroad line.

The Assemblyman added: "Throughout this debate, it has been my belief that there are many excellent opportunities for hiking, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities in the Adirondacks, and that having a railroad travelling north from Utica to the High Peaks region will bring more visitors to the Adirondacks, and will help boost its economy."

The following statement was released from the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society, according to a story on northcountrypublicradio.org.

"Judge Main of the New York State Supreme Court in Franklin County has ruled in favor of the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society's Article 78 proceeding against the State of New York. The Railway Preservation Society filed the suit over a year ago, challenging the State's decision to rip up 34 miles of the 141 miles of track on which the Railroad operates.

"The ARPS has believed from the beginning of the judicial process that the original Management Plan, finalized in 1996, was correct, and would "permit rail uses over the entire length of the corridor, encourage compatible recreational trail uses." In direct contrast, the 2016 plan called for the removal of 34 miles of rail line, threatening the loss of two businesses (Adirondack Scenic Railroad & Rail Explorers USA), eliminating 40,000 annual visitors and limiting the future potential of the line. From the beginning of this process, ARPS has maintained that a rail and trail multi-use travel corridor best serves public interests while providing protections for this great asset.

"ARPS believes that Judge Main has taken a balanced and objective approach. It is unclear, at this time, whether NYS will appeal this ruling. For our organization this action has been a financial strain and has taken away resources from continuing to operate and expand a successful business.

"Efforts will be made to reach out to the communities served along the rail transportation corridor to begin to build packages which will highlight local offerings and provide for increased economic impact. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad will continue to play a vital role in the tourism industry of the region while continuing the preservation and restoration of the corridor. "

The DEC's respond to decision:

"New York State is reviewing the decision by the Franklin County judge regarding the Remsen Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan (UMP)."