Decision time for Nickel Plate

The County Line

Decision time for the future of the Nickel Plate Railroad is at hand, but few involved seem anxious to make that decision. It is not the best kept secret that city and county administrations want to convert the railroad to a hiking trail from downtown Noblesville south to at least the Marion County line. But, it is controversial with Nickel Plate supporters objecting to most any plan that would remove significant portions of the railway.

But, for those supporters, the time is approaching when they must decide whether it is better to take half a loaf or continue their fight and possibly watch the rails rust. The cities of Noblesville and Fishers along with the county own the tracks and seem willing to keep the railroad intact to the north from Forest Park to Tipton.

The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority which administers the rail line for the owners, have accepted proposals from five groups which advised they are able and willing to operate all or part of the railroad. The port authority has passed along these proposals to city and county officials for a decision, but no date has been set for the three governmental entities to vote.

The controversy grew this week when it was revealed that Noblesville Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke tried to rig a public meeting on the railroad’s future by filling seats with folks who favor a trail. His emails favoring the city’s position were made public, thus embarrassing the city administration and possibly slowing a decision. Cooke was reassigned to duties other than promoting the trail plan. Usually, it would be a matter of money that would keep anything from happening. In this case, however, there is money available. It would come indirectly from the Hamilton County Visitor and Convention Bureau which has submitted a plan to provide train service to the north and a trail to the south, a plan that is likely to be accepted.

Generally known as the Tourism Bureau, this county governmental agency collects large amounts of money each year from an innkeeper’s tax on all hotel and motel rooms which visitors pay along with room rent. Last year the bureau had revenues of $3,573,000, according to its financial statement. The income may near $4 million this year.

In their proposal, Tourism would make any needed safety repairs, supply engines and train cars, crews to operate a train and oversee removal of the rails south of Forest Park, but not be responsible for the cost of converting the rail bed to a trail from Noblesville south to 96th Street. No estimate has been given on the overall cost of the plans.

Tourism officials consider the passenger train experience to be a tourist attraction, and would repay themselves or any loan they might make from train ticket sales. Presumably the popular Polar Bear Express, dinner train and other excursion rides would be scheduled, but the Fairtrain would, of course, not be possible.

So, the hot potato is in the hands of Mayors John Ditslear and Scott Fadness of Fishers along with county commissioners. And, it’s time to act.