KINGSTON – The Ulster County Legislature Wednesday night allocated $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to establish three rail trail improvement projects that members say will grow local economies and enhance the mental health and quality of life of area residents.
One project will restore a 5.5-mile corridor of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail between the Village of New Paltz and the Town of Gardiner. Funding totals $895,000 with the work expected to be completed in June 2023.
The second project will restore 3.2-mile corridor of the O&W Rail Trail connecting the hamlets of Accord in the Town of Rochester and the hamlet of Kerhonkson in the Town of Wawarsing. That project will cost $565,000 with the expected completion date of June 2023.
The third project will restore a two-mile stretch of the O&W Rail Trail between the hamlet of Napanoch and the Village of Ellenville. Funding totals $640,000 with work to be completed by November 2023.
The Open Space Institute will contribute $95,000 worth of in-kind project management services to develop the projects.
“Countywide, our trails receive over 600,000 visits per year and contribute more than $10 million to the local economy annually,” said Legislature Chairwoman Tracey Bartels. “They provide equitable access to nature, open space, and safe recreation.”
