In This Issue
Town hosts first public meeting for Ramapo River Greenway Trail
D&H Rail Trail gets a booster shot
Grants and easements advance Little Ausable River Trail in North Country
New York State Trails Coalition hits the ground running
Executive budget includes first major investment in park system in a decade
Canalway Trail Celebration Canalway: Join Us on the Trail June 7
Prepare now for National Trails Day 2008
Parks Coalition of Friends Groups
Trail Spotlight - Dutchess Rail Trail
Trail & Health Resources
Assistance available for Safe Routes to School Program applicants
The Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) has developed a toolkit to assist Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program applicants design a safe routes to school program. The toolkit has useful information on SRTS non-infrastructure programs, classroom activities; promotional activities; the FWHA Safe Streets Program; and more. The New York State SRTS partnership has also developed a comprehensive database of participating organizations that may be able to offer assistance in the design and implementation of non-infrastructure programming.
New York’s Safe Routes to School program is managed by the New York Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The NYSDOT SRTS program application and guidebook is currently available online. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2008. All SRTS projects must have a minimum cost of $25,000. Maximum project cost for non-infrastructure projects is $150,000 and for infrastructure projects $400,000. For more information on the NYSDOT SRTS application, contact Program Coordinator Dwight Cunningham.
Planning and policy models for pedestrian and bicycle friendly communities
As part of its outreach efforts, the Initiative for Healthy Infrastructure (iHi) has produced Planning and Policy Models for Pedestrian and Bicycle Friendly Communities in New York State. The 28-page guide offers 
zoning code language and policy models that promote walking and bicycling. The iHi is a project of the State University of New York at Albany designed to help communities create physical environments that support healthy, active lifestyles. “Healthy Infrastructure” is a new way of describing the connection between facilities for walking, bicycling and physical fitness as an integrated part of transportation, recreation and community quality of life.
E-News Survey – Thanks for your feedback!
From the more than 200 responses to our annual E-News survey, it’s clear that the E-News topic of greatest importance to you is funding. You also rated the articles on legislation affecting trails and parks as important to getting trails built in your community. Ninety percent of you were OK with the length of the E-News – the majority of survey respondents spend 6-15 minutes reading it. Thanks to those of you who encouraged us to “Keep it coming.” We’ll do just that!
DEC issues opinion on role and timing of SEQRA in park alienation decisions
Through the efforts of Parks & Trails New York and New Yorkers for Parks, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued an advisory opinion regarding the timing of State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in the alienation of municipal parkland. Alienation is the taking of parkland for a non-park purpose. The highlight of the opinion is the determination that a municipal resolution requesting the State legislature's permission to alienate parkland falls within the definition of an "action" under SEQRA. The ruling also states that a municipality must complete SEQRA before adopting its resolution requesting legislation authorizing the alienation of parkland. Requiring an assessment of environmental impacts upfront allows for full consideration of alternatives and several opportunities for meaningful public input. The issuance of the advisory opinion is a major first step toward Parks & Trails New York’s goal of including park alienation in the list of Type I SEQRA actions.
Welcome new staff
Kurt Seitz has joined the PTNY staff as a project intern. Kurt is completing his Masters of Regional Planning at SUNY Albany. Previously, Kurt interned with OPRHP’s Bureau of Resource and Facility Planning. A passionate trail and greenway advocate, Kurt has hiked a number of the country’s long distance trails and served on the board of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association.
Mike O’Neil, a graduate student in the SUNY Albany Geography Department, is the new Assistant Bike Tour Director. Mike is an experienced and passionate touring cyclist who recently made a trip cross country from Kinderhook, NY to San Diego, CA and has ridden through nine countries in Western Europe.
A Trail Hero passes
We are sorry to report the New York trails community lost one of its strongest supporters and friends with the recent death of George Danskin of New Paltz. George was the sparkplug who helped create the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association and shepherd its growth to a successful and well-respected organization. Under George’s leadership, Ulster County’s 12-mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail took shape as a popular, scenic and peaceful trail between Gardiner and New Paltz.
Support Parks & Trails New York. Become a member of Parks & Trails New York Today!
Got a Match?
You can make twice the difference! You can help build, protect, and expand twice as many acres and miles of parks and trails throughout New York State! Your gift to Parks & Trails New York can be worth twice as much if your employer will match it. Check with your employer to find out about the matching gift program.
Be sure that our E-News doesn't get sent to your junk mail folder. Please add Parks & Trails New York (ptny@ptny.org) to your safe senders list.
Parks and Trails
in the News
Legislature must approve plan to invest in state parks— Buffalo, NY
Madison, Oneida trails receive state money—Madison and Onieda Counties, NY
Going down the drain: Parks need increased state funding
Orin Lehman, 88, Parks Steward, Dies— Manhattan, NY
Greenleaf Trail to Recieve Technical Assistance from Parks & Trails New York— Long Island, NY
Port's land gift adds to Oswego harbor trail— Oswego, NY
Joseph named head of state parks region— Trumansburg, NY
New vision for old Hudson span & Spanning the past into the future: Spitzer promises funds to revitalize bridge — Poughkeepsie, NY
Pint-Sized Parks Make Safer Streets and Cleaner Rivers— New York, NY
On The Bright Side: Grants to blaze Oneonta trails — Oneonta, NY
Proposed river trail: Consultant to help groups with planning— Corning, NY
Greener Bronx with mayor's plan— Bronx, NY
Parks & Trails New York Advisory Council member Joan Davidson named to head state Quadricentennial Commission — Albany, NY
Editorial: Slow progress in Kings Park— Smithtown, NY
$28 million proposed for LI's state parks— Albany, NY
Brentwood getting a park -- after 30 years— Brentwood, NY
State funds may link key section of trail — Montour Falls, NY
$440,000 to boost Central Park accessibility— Schenectady, NYEnvironmental spending pledges become coin of the realm — Albany, NY
GREENWAY: State parks first to get green & Commission gives greenway projects go-ahead— Tonawanda, NY
New parkland in Rockland County— New City, NY
Trump wades in for Jones Beach variance, again— Jones Beach, NY
STATE OF STATE: $100M pledged for state parks— Albany, NY
Officials seek to chart park— Saratoga Springs, NY
Make Gowanus go away Architects say ax the highway, build a greenway — Brooklyn, NY
Bike Share Program for Governors Island— Governors Island, NY
State nears deal to buy Rogers Island property— Fort Edward, NY
March
18 - Parks & Trails New York Trail Advocacy Day
April
1 - NY Safe Routes to School Program application deadline
1 – Applications available for various state grants (OPRHP, DOS)
17 - Envisioning a Reconnected Canalway Through Public Art and Art Trails - Sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
19 & 20 - The 3rd Annual Canal Clean Sweep
26 – Bikes Belong grant application deadline.
May
3 - Great Saunter, a 32-mile walk around Manhattan. (212) 330-7686 for details.
5 - Preserve New York Grant Program application post mark deadline date
June
7 - Join us for the Canalway Trail Celebration! This event coincides with National Trails Day!
15 - The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program grant application deadline
27 - Transportation Enhancements Program (TEP) funding application deadline
30 - Deadline for OPRHP municipal park grants.
July
6-13 - Join us for the Cycling the Erie Canal bicycle tour!
12 - Tour de Per-RY bike ride through Letchworth State Park. (585) 237-6709 for more information.
August
6-13 - Join us for the Great Hudson Valley Pedal
Recurring Events
Designing Pedestrian Safe Streets
The New York State DOT is hosting this series of workshops in May. This is an opportunity to work with two of the country’s top pedestrian safety experts in a workshop in which participants will learn of engineering measures that will make the community a safer and more pleasant place to walk. A site visit to a sample location will help participants understand and identify obstacles to walking. There is no fee for the workshop.
Schedule and locations:
May 6 & 7 - Town of Brookhaven, Farmingville, Long Island
May 8 & 9 - Lower Manhattan, New York City
May 12 & 13 - Middletown, Orange County
May 14 & 15 - Utica, Oneida County
Workshops in Albany and Rochester will be scheduled for September 2008. Questions or RSVP: Christopher Hardej at 212 383-7253 or chardej@dot.state.ny.us
Healthier Communities:
Successful Strategies of Steps to a HealthierNY
Steps to a HealthierNY is a federal Centers for Disease Control initiative occurring in four New York State counties. Each Steps county uses an integrated, community-based approach to reduce the burden of diabetes, obesity, and asthma by promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and smoking cessation initiatives. Workshop Participants will learn how to implement chronic disease prevention programs in their communities, identify partners to fight chronic disease, and develop school and worksite wellness teams.
Dates and locations:
May 28 - Greater NYC Area
May 29 - Capital Region
June 4 - Central NY
June 5 - Western NY
For more information contact
Cheri Foti (716) 664.2802 ext 231, or ccsteps@jamestownymca.org.
Parks & Trails New York is a member of Earth Share of New York, an alliance of leading nonprofit environmental organizations. Please look for Parks & Trails New York and Earth Share in your workplace giving campaign brochure.
For more information about giving through Earth Share, or to learn how you can help your office set up a workplace giving campaign with Earth Share of New York, check out Earth Share of New York´s web site, www.earthshareny.org.
Parks & Trails New York is a leader in efforts to improve the quality of life of all New Yorkers through the expansion, protection, and promotion of a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the state.
HEALTHY TRAILS, HEALTHY PEOPLE
Six new trail projects to receive assistance from PTNY
Six new trail projects have been selected to receive assistance from Parks & Trails New York as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program. Now in its fifth year, Healthy Trails, Healthy People is aimed at helping New Yorkers develop more active communities and an enhanced quality of life through the creation of multi-use trails. During the past four years, Parks & Trails New York staff has worked with citizens, not for profits, and local governments to provide technical and organizational assistance to 20 trail projects around the state.
Projects selected for 2008 include:
- Chemung Valley Riverside Trail - Elmira to Corning, Chemung and Steuben Counties
- Chenango Canal Connections Corridor - Town of Clinton, Oneida County and Towns of Madison, Hamilton, and Eaton, Madison County
- Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway – Oneonta, Otsego County
- Quassaic Creek Trail – Newburgh and Town of New Windsor, Orange County
- Greenleaf Trail – Town of Islip and Brookhaven, Suffolk County
- Tonawanda Rail Trail – City and Town of Tonawanda, Erie County
In addition to the six new projects, two existing projects will also be expanded to include additional trail development efforts:
- D&H Rail Trail, Albany to Voorheesville will also include the Tri-Village Greenway, Town of Bethlehem, Albany County
- Long Island Motor Parkway Trail, Nassau County will add a special focus on the North Hempstead, Williston Park trail section
"The 28 applications we received confirm that there is an ever-growing interest in trail development in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the state. This year several of the projects go well beyond the borders of one municipality and instead involve creating connections as well as partnerships among multiple communities. What all the projects have in common is the ability to link people to places and contribute to individual health, quality of life, and the environmental and economic health of New York’s communities,” commented Fran Gotcsik, Parks & Trails New York Director of Programs and Policy.
Town hosts first public meeting for Ramapo River Greenway Trail
The Town of Ramapo in Rockland County recently held the unveiling of three design proposals for the Ramapo River Greenway Trail. All of the trail design proposals for the two-mile Ramapo River Greenway Trail start at the New York – New Jersey state line, cross an abandoned railroad bridge over the Ramapo River, and continue north until the intersection of the United Water access road and Rte 59.
Hudson Valley Engineering is currently compiling the Design Report to be submitted to the NYSDOT. Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) had raised concern about the trail encroaching upon the 100-foot O&R electric transmission line right-of-way located on property owned by the New York State Thruway Authority. However, after the Thruway Authority granted permission for the trail and following a walk through with O&R officials, the utility granted permission for the trail to cross its ROW provided fences are constructed to prevent access to the utility’s transmission towers.
The Ramapo River Greenway is one of Parks & Trails New York’s Healthy Trails, Healthy People Program projects. At the meeting, Parks & Trails New York’s Martin Daley discussed the benefits of trail development and addressed some community concerns about potential trail vandalism, personal safety, and isolation.
D&H Rail Trail gets a booster shot
In early January, supporters of the Albany County D&H Rail Trail braved bitter cold temperatures to attend a press conference hosted by Albany County Executive Mike Breslin’s office. Local officials, community members, environmental groups, and Martin Daley of Parks & Trails New York participated in the event, intended to provide a much-needed booster shot to re-energize discussion about acquisition of the corridor from Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail. When complete, the D&H Rail Trail will provide a first-class alternative transportation and recreational resource for residents of Voorheesville, New Scotland, Bethlehem, and Albany.
In 1995, CP Rail filed to abandon a 24-mile section of track between Delanson and Albany. In 2003, County Executive Breslin’s office secured $350,000 in Environmental Protection Fund (EFP) financing to acquire 9 miles of the former D&H Rail line. The non-profit environmental organization Scenic Hudson offered $350,000 for the grant’s required local match. Talks between Albany County and CP Rail have stalled due to staffing changes on both sides of the table and the railroad’s request that it be indemnified of environmental liability.
The event received plenty of media attention. It was covered by two local television stations and several newspapers, including the Albany Times Union, the Altamont Enterprise, and the Delmar Spotlight.
Grants and easements advance Little Ausable River Trail in North Country
The Friends of the Little Ausable River Trail has taken some giant steps toward its vision for a 1.5-mile multi-use trail along the Little Ausable River in the Town of Peru over the past year. It began in December of 2006 when the Town was awarded a Transportation Enhancements Program grant of more than a half a million dollars. These federal funds, administered by the NYS DOT, will cover 80% of the expected costs of building the trail. The other 20% in matching support will come from the Town (in-kind services and cash) and private donations. The Town now has hired an engineering firm to complete pre-construction work.
More recently, the Town also received a Parks Development Grant of $140,000 administered by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to develop Heyworth/Mason Park in the center of the hamlet, including walkways, trails and signage, which will be one terminus of the Little Ausable River Trail.
The Friends also have received key easement agreements from two landowners for significant sections of the proposed trail and reached an agreement to have Parks and Trails New York serve as its fiscal agent.
According to Adele Douglas, project coordinator for the Friends, with these successes added to earlier outreach efforts, the Friends now has the resources and broad community support needed to make the trail a reality. Trail construction, which will be done by Town crews, should start in the fall.
New York State Trails Coalition hits the ground running
Adopts Plan of Action; sets Trails Advocacy Day for March 18
Following a survey of state trail groups and an “Idea Café” at Parks and Trails New York’s statewide conference last fall, the New York State Trails Coalition has adopted its first Plan of Action. Topping the coalition’s priority list this year is achieving some key state budget and legislative objectives. With that in mind, the coalition has planned a Trails Advocacy Day for Tuesday, March 18, in Albany. On this day, representatives of the coalition’s member groups will visit state legislators to keep trail issues high on their agendas. We hope you will be part of the effort. Let us know you’ll be attending!! Even if you can’t attend, your organization can sign on to a letter we’ll be presenting to key legislators.
The Coalition’s two top legislative priorities this year are 1) $275 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) ($25 million more than the Governor’s budget ), including important grants for not-for-profit trail and park organizations, and 2) passage of the Community Trails Initiative Bill S02324 Rath/A9317 DelMonte that will establish a task force to create a plan for a statewide, interconnected multi–use trail network.
Overall, the Plan of Action presents a vision in which trails are viewed as essential elements of community infrastructure and New York is recognized as one of the most trail-friendly states, with a network of primary, regional and local trails that attract residents and visitors from across the country and abroad. To achieve this vision, six overarching goals are set forth:
- Plan for a statewide, interconnected network of trails
- Secure additional resources for trails and trail organizations
- Raise the visibility of and support for trails within the state
- Promote the economic benefits of trails
- Enhance communication among trail groups at state and local levels
- Encourage and support trail volunteers
The New York State Trails Coalition now has more than 60 member groups and continues to expand. Any organization that embraces the vision and will help work toward the goals is welcome to join. The more groups the coalition represents, the greater its impact will be.
Executive budget includes first major investment in park system in a decade
The proposed executive budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 holds great promise for the state park system. It budget includes $100 million in parks capital funding to begin to address the more than $650 million in capital needs that have been identified by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). As was highlighted in Parks & Trails New York’s 2006 Parks at a Turning Point report, the state park system is suffering from years of underinvestment and neglect. The proposed capital funding would be the first major investment in the park system in a decade.
To implement the first phase of what must be a multi-year effort to rebuild our state park system OPRHP has compiled a list of 295 projects in 101 state parks and historic sites that will be undertaken once the state budget is enacted.
SPIF sweep regrettable
Parks & Trails New York is opposed to the proposed sweep of $5 million from the State Park Infrastructure Fund (SPIF). The SPIF is funded by park user fees and is intended to be a funding source for parks capital projects. The SPIF plays a critical role in OPRHP’s ability to address routine infrastructure needs before they become major capital projects. We believe, with documented capital needs of upwards of $650 million, now is not the time to be raiding the SPIF for general fund relief.
Campaign for Parks News—Friend Groups Gathering
The Campaign for Parks is a Parks and Trails New York initiative focused on building a broad constituency around increased funding for, and improved stewardship of, state parks and historic sites.
As part of the campaign, Parks & Trails New York was invited to speak about the keys to effective advocacy at a recent gathering of state park and historic site Friends groups held at Saratoga Spa State Park. Campaign for Parks Director Tim Sweeney spoke of the need for Parks & Trails New York, parks Friends groups and state officials to present a unified message in all our collective advocacy efforts.
The day-long gathering also included presentations from OPRHP staff, park and historic site Friends organizations, and remarks from OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash. In her presentation, Commissioner Ash spoke of the incredible capital needs of her agency and cited Parks & Trails New York’s Parks at a Turning Point report as being the catalyst for bringing attention to the plight of the state park system.
Canal Clean Sweep Gears Up
The 3rd Annual Canal Clean Sweep is coming Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20. In recognition of Earth Day and in advance of the 183rd consecutive navigation season on the NYS Canal System, the NYS Canal Corporation, in partnership with Parks & Trails New York, is once again encouraging groups and municipalities to engage in clean up and beautification activities along the Canal System and the Canalway Trail. New this year is an online event registration form.
Whether they involve picking up litter and brush on lock grounds or in a local Canal park, or helping to remove debris or restore a section of Canalway Trail, Canal Clean Sweep events give volunteers an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with their neighbors and Canal Corporation employees to enhance and preserve this tremendous environmental, cultural and historic resource. Parks and Trails New York also will provide free T-shirts to groups holding Clean Sweep events.
If you live near a part of the NYS Canal System, Parks and Trails New York encourages you to learn more about Canal Clean Sweep and lend a hand where you can.
Canalway Trail Celebration: Join Us on the Trail June 7
Planning is underway for the fifth annual Canalway Trail Celebration, a coordinated series of local events in communities all along the Canalway Trail System, which will take place on June 7 to coincide with National Trails Day. The Canalway Trail Celebration is designed to increase awareness and enjoyment of the Erie Canalway Trail System as a world-class recreation resource and tourist destination for New Yorkers and visitors. The theme for National Trails Day this year is “Join Us on the Trail,” which accurately describes the aim of the Celebration, as well. Last year 34 events, ranging from a Renaissance Fair and bike rides to history walks and canoe/kayak races, drew thousands of trail and canal enthusiasts.
Community organizations and municipalities along the corridor are invited to plan festivities and special events to recognize the growing prominence of the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. Ideas for events are limited only by your imagination and could include festivals, nature walks, bike rides, trail clean up, dedications of side trails or new facilities, photo workshops, geocaching activities and other treasure hunts, and historic tours. To organize a Celebration event, contact Parks and Trails New York or complete and submit the event registration form by March 21.
The Canalway Trail Celebration is organized by Parks and Trails New York, the New York State Canal Corporation, and the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY), with additional support from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. These organizations will provide technical support and coordination as well as free tee shirts for events, and organize a statewide publicity campaign.
Prepare now for National Trails Day 2008
The 16th annual National Trails Day (NTD), the largest annual single-day trails and outdoor celebration in the country, will be celebrated this year on Saturday, June 7. The slogan for NTD 2008, “Join Us on the Trail,” is an open invitation to join with a local hiking club, outdoor retailer, local park and recreation department, or federal land management agency to get outside and experience everything the great outdoors has to offer.
Parks and Trails New York is encouraging trail groups throughout the state to join with us in celebrating this American tradition in order to raise the visibility of trails and those who care for them. In keeping with the “Join Us on the Trail” theme, we especially encourage groups to invite local public officials to join them on the trail and participate in their event. At this critical time for trail funding, it is important that legislators and municipal leaders be aware of the importance of trails to their communities.
The American Hiking Society, which provides host organizations with customizable posters and a banner as well as other support materials and promotional opportunities, has a new website where you can register your event, find updated information, purchase NTD merchandise, and download the updated 2008 Event Organizer's Manual.
Legislative Agenda
EPF to provide support for park and trail groups
Capacity-building Grants -–A MAJOR NEW INITIATIVE
In addition to including $100 million in capital funding for state park projects in his 2008-2009 budget, the executive budget also allocated $500,000 from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for a new competitive grants program to strengthen not-for-profit park and trail organizations. The program will be administered by Parks & Trails New York and modeled on the New York State Conservation Partnership Program, a highly successful, pioneering public-private partnership involving the Land Trust Alliance and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Never before have park and trail groups had an opportunity like this! These grants will go a long way toward enhancing the vitality and sustainability of the state’s trail and park not for profits and help ensure the success of the many important projects they undertake.
President's 2009 Executive Budget slashes funds for parks and trails
The President’s 2009 budget calls for severe funding cuts for the National Park Service (NPS), including its Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The President proposes that the RTCA’s $8.5 million budget be cut by $492,000, resulting in the loss of four to six full-time staff. The RTCA program is a very popular and successful initiative that has assisted many trail projects throughout the state. As most of the RTCA budget represents costs for staff to work with communities, these proposed budget cuts will mean fewer trail projects can be helped in 2009. Advocates should contact their Members of Congress, especially the House and Senate members of the Appropriations Committees and Interior Appropriations subcommittees, to request that they stop the President’s planned cuts and increase the RTCA budget to $12 million for 2009 to remedy the program's continued steady erosion, compensate for losses due to inflation, and enable the program to respond effectively and efficiently to growing needs and opportunities in communities throughout the country.
Even worse, the Land and Water Conservation Fund will be slashed by almost 70% to $42.5 million nationwide with ZERO appropriations for the important stateside program that provides funds for states for matching grants for the acquisition, development and/or rehabilitation of outdoor park and recreation facilities. Ask your Congressional representatives and Senators to ensure that LWCF funding is restored, including $50 million for the stateside program.
PTNY supports $275 million for Environmental Protection Fund (EPF); opposes $125 million sweep
The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) has been a source of funding for key environmental programs, in good financial times and bad. The EPF funds countless projects, including: municipal parks, stewardship of state lands, land acquisition, farmland protection, and recycling to name a few. Parks & Trails New York is joining with the more than 200 organizations in the Friends of New York’s Environment coalition in requesting that the EPF budget (see page 113) be increased to $275 million this year as a further step toward the coalition’s goal of a $500 million EPF by 2010. This increase in funding is needed to restore cuts to existing programs and to fund important new initiatives that have been added to the EPF.
Parks & Trails New York is also joining with the Friends coalition in opposing the sweep of $125 million from the EPF for general fund relief. In the past, sweeps from the EPF have not had an impact on programs. This year, because of a concerted effort on the part of the administration to increase agency efficiency in getting EPF money disbursed, there is the very real possibility that the sweep will negatively impact EPF programs.
Funding
New round of Transportation Enhancement Applications announced
Trail advocates welcomed the recent announcement of the next round of Transportation Enhancements Program (TEP) funding. Applications are available for non-traditional transportation projects in twelve categories such as facilities for bicycles and pedestrians. With federal reimbursement possible up to $2.5 million per project, this program provides a major source of trail funding.
Applications may be submitted by any municipality or non-profit incorporated group, but must be sponsored either by a municipality, a state agency or an eligible public authority. As this is a reimbursement program, applicants must pay the full project costs up front.
Application deadline is June 27, 2008. For more information, contact your local TEP Coordinator. A TEP Guidebook and application are available on the NYSDOT website and at NYSDOT regional offices. Workshops for potential applicants will be held by the NYSDOT Regions and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations(MPOs) throughout March and April.
State grants available for parks, trails, and other environmental programs
Applications will be available April 1 for several grant programs that can fund park and trail projects. Materials can be downloaded from the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation website. Completed applications will be due June 30, 2008. Public workshops for applicants will be held across the state throughout May. For more information, contact your Regional Grants Officer.
Preserve New York Grants aid preservation of historic bridges and transportation corridors
The Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts are again offering Preserve New York Grants to eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations undertaking historic structure reports, historic landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys. Grants are likely to range between $3,000 and $15,000. Begun in 1993, the Preserve New York Grant Program has awarded over $1.2 million to 201 projects throughout the state. For 2008, projects are especially encouraged that preserve architecture, landscapes, historic bridges, and transportation corridors, including canals and related structures. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 5, 2008. Prospective applicants must first discuss their potential project with the Regional Directors of Technical and Grant Programs: Erin Tobin for Eastern New York, New York City and Long Island (518-462-5658, ex 12) or Tania Werbizky for Western, Central New York and the Southern Tier (607-272-6510). Click here for a map of service areas.
Kodak American Greenways Grants available for trail projects
The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program, a partnership project of the Eastman Kodak Company, The Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, is again providing small grants to stimulate the planning and design of community greenways. Grants can be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway project including planning, technical assistance, legal and other costs. Although public agencies may apply, community organizations will receive preference. Most grants range from $500 to $1,000 with a maximum award of $2,500. Applications may be submitted beginning March 1 but must be RECEIVED by June 15, 2008.
Trail Spotlight
Dutchess County Rail Trail Park
The Dutchess Rail Trail Park (DRT) is a 12-mile linear park and shared use path being developed along an abandoned railroad right-of-way in western Dutchess County. The trail originates at Hopewell Junction in the Town of East Fishkill, traverses the Towns of Wappinger, LaGrange, and Poughkeepsie, and terminates at Morgan Lake in the City of Poughkeepsie in the vicinity of Creek Road.
The Dutchess Rail Trail Park will be built on the existing abandoned railroad right-of-way that was once part of the Maybrook Rail Road Line. The double track line opened for service in 1892 and functioned as a passenger and freight line until well into the 1900’s. The Maybrook Line provided the only train crossing of the Hudson River between New York City and just south of Albany and was an important railroad link for Connecticut and the rest of the Northeast. In 1974, its regular use was terminated after a fire on the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge interrupted the line’s continuity.
In 1984, Dutchess County purchased the Maybrook Line right-of-way from Hopewell Junction to Morgan Lake with the intent of constructing a limited-access highway to connect Poughkeepsie with Interstate Route 84. However, because of possible negative environmental impact, the highway was never constructed.
Through the efforts of former Representative Sue Kelly, County Executive William R. Steinhaus secured a $1.77 million dollar federal transportation project to construct the proposed 11.8-mile Dutchess Rail Trail Park as a demonstration project. Upon completion, the Dutchess Rail Trail will be owned by Dutchess County and the County’s Parks Division will manage the required maintenance. Agreements between the County and each of the four Towns for shared maintenance and policing are anticipated.
County Executive William Steinhaus was the recipient of Parks and Trails New York’s Public Leadership Award at its September, 2007 statewide trails and greenways conference. Executive Steinhaus was recognized for his ability to build consensus, develop alliances, and create the necessary critical mass to build trails that have had a profound impact on the quality of life within Dutchess County.