The Poughkeepsie Local Planning Committee decided to keep a trolley proposal on the DRI project list, but members and county representatives cautioned that operating arrangements, permitting and long‑term costs remain unaddressed.

The application — described by staff as a vehicle‑only capital request for a rubber‑wheeled trolley — was sponsored by an organization submitting the idea on behalf of Dutchess County. Staff said the county had not identified funds for the project and had not formally committed to operating it. Committee members, including a county representative, emphasized that DRI can fund capital equipment but not operating costs, and they flagged the need to identify an operator or sponsor to manage the service and absorb operating expenses.

Committee participants recommended staff explore potential operators or sponsors, including the county and business improvement districts, and suggested technical resources from recent regional transit analyses could help identify operating models. County staff said they would inquire internally but cautioned the county could not make an immediate commitment; the county representative agreed to try to help find an operator and encouraged applicants to work with potential partners.

Staff noted the capital ask — about $1.1 million for the equipment — would have to be weighed against the committee’s larger objective of reducing DRI requests by roughly half. Several LPC members urged that any trolley funding be contingent on identifying a committed operator and a viable operating plan; staff said it will continue vetting the proposal and reach out to potential operators and funders before any final decision.