DOT’s Capital Plan Will Prioritize Funds For Kingston Rail Trail Project

KINGSTON – Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) announces prioritization of capital funding for the Kingston Rail Trail, which will establish an off-road pedestrian and bicycle trail linking the City of Kingston to the Hurley Rail Trail.

“I have been committed to adding a recreational trail to the already successful Catskill Mountain Rail Road corridor for quite some time,” Assemblymember Cahill said.  “About 10 years ago, I was happy to have secured support for the project.  In 2013, I was instrumental in obtaining an additional appropriation, which is now earmarked to complete a section of the pathway.  Details on the amount of monies and a timeline will be available in the coming weeks.  I am hopeful that we will finally see the beginning of the dream of many to develop a rail with trail corridor become a reality,” Cahill added.

Former Ulster County Legislator who established policies to promote walking and bicycle trails, Robert Parete, lauded Assemblymember Cahill for his success in securing the funding necessary to make the rail trail possible.  “Thank you Assemblymember Kevin Cahill for securing much-needed funding for this worthy initiative,” Parete said.  “Mr. Cahill should be commended for his continued support of the Kingston Rail Trail.  This funding will provide a significant boost to our local region.”

Mayor Noble agrees.  “As a founding member of the Kingston Land Trust, it gives me great pride to see the vision of an interconnected trail system continue to move forward,” said Mayor Steve Noble.  “These efforts are made possible thanks to the support of our partners at the county and state level, along with local community groups who share our vision for a community where all individuals have access to a world class trail system and a popular tourist railroad, both serving the greater Kingston area.”

Andi Turco-Levin, Chair of Kingston Land Trust, said, “This is an exciting time as we see another major component of the Kingston Greenline and the Kingston Linear Park become a reality.  This will be an asset to our community on so many levels.”

Assemblymember Cahill added, “Two very important projects concerning the Rail Trail have seen fruition in the last several weeks.  From the recent contractual agreement between Catskill Mountain Railroad and Ulster County and this funding to support construction of an expanded nature trail, significant progress has been made.  I have long been a proponent of both and have often said that support of the railroad and an expanded walking trail should not be a one-or-the-other consideration.  Still, more has to be done.  I urge everyone to go back to the drawing board to come up with a “trail on rail” proposal for the entire length of the Catskill Mountain Railroad Line,” Cahill concluded.

The project is currently in the preliminary design phase.  The total project cost is estimated by the DOT at $2.28 million.  Construction is expected to be completed by July 2017.  The trail will ultimately create a multi-use hub in the City of Kingston and link to the Kingston Greenline, connecting to businesses and services in Kingston and the Towns of Ulster and Hurley.  The allocation is part of a multi-year effort spearheaded by Assemblymember Cahill, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the City of Kingston and local stakeholders.  It is the latest of many grants secured and advocated by Assemblymember Cahill, including a grant for trails along the Catskill Railroad corridor dating to 2006 for one million dollars.   That grant, awarded to Ulster County has still not been fully utilized now 10 years later.