FAHY, KAPLAN ANNOUNCE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE OF HISTORIC NEW YORK STATE TRAILS MASTER PLAN LEGISLATION
ALBANY, N.Y. — Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D — Albany) today announced that Governor Cuomo signed legislation (A5035-B Fahy | S4416-B Kaplan) sponsored with Senator Anna Kaplan (D — Great Neck) to direct the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (DPRHP) to create a statewide master plan for non-motorized multi-use trails.
Communities across the state stand to benefit economically from increased connectivity of the state’s trail system, as record numbers of ‘adventure tourists’ and outdoor recreation enthusiasts traveled to New York this year.
Following completion in 2020, Empire State Trail is projected to host an estimated 8.6 million visitors a year across its 750-mile route — highlighting the need to develop a comprehensive statewide vision to capitalize on this potential. Over 1,000 miles of trails exist within New York State, with the Erie Canalway Trail among the most successful — annually, it has generated over $253 million in direct sales in communities it runs through, created over 3,000 jobs, and over $28.5 million in additional tax revenue. A statewide master trails plan would assist local leaders and state officials strategize as to how a more connected, developed trail network may benefit communities found along those routes.
Here in the Capital Region, a locally-focused trails plan that stands to benefit as a result of this legislation is the ‘Capital District Trails Plan’ — which estimates that an expanded and more developed trail network could result in an additional 1.1 million trail users a year whilst removing 17,400 cars from our roads during peak congestion hours. More utilization of the trail network leads to increased spending at our small, local businesses — often close by to these routes or directly apart of them. The plan estimates an increase of almost $23.7 million in tourism spending alone as a result.
“Record numbers of adventure tourists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts have flocked to Upstate New York this year and even more are projected following completion of the Empire State Trail,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “This is the beginning of a statewide initiative to build on that potential and identify connectivity opportunities between regional trail systems. Backyard and easily accessible trailheads and trail networks help connect and drive users to our ‘Main Streets’ and our local, small businesses. Ensuring that we have a blueprint for the next decade when it comes to trail development will help unleash the true potential of Upstate New York.”
Senator Anna M. Kaplan said, “New York State has become a premiere ecotourism destination for residents across the nation and around the world, driving billions of dollars in economic activity each year. By building upon Governor Cuomo’s success in creating the Empire State Trail with the development of a statewide trail network, we can simultaneously enhance quality of life for our residents, and promote economic development through tourism. I’m grateful for the support of the advocate community, and for the partnership of Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, so that we could enact this legislation to benefit communities across New York.”
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “We look forward to hearing from trail enthusiasts and stakeholders as we develop this statewide trail plan and build on Governor Cuomo’s outstanding work to expand multi-use trails and outdoor recreation across New York.”
“This exciting legislation will ensure that New York builds upon the momentum of the Empire State Trail” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. “We thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Kaplan, and Assemblymember Fahy for their leadership and vision in making this plan a reality and look forward to a future where communities across the state are connected by a world-class multi-use trail network.”
“Each year, we have hundreds of thousands of visitors on the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail as a means to exercise and have fun, with the added benefits of supporting local businesses, reducing carbon emissions and connecting distant communities. This exciting legislation, along with the completed Empire State Trail, will allow us and other localities to capitalize on our investments and continue to improve the state for future generations,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
“New businesses are opening and even more want to be in Bethlehem specifically because of the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail,” said Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven. “Hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors walk and bike the trail every year, which makes the trail a great boost for our businesses.”
“We are grateful to Senator Kaplan and Assemblywoman Fahy for making room for non-motorized uses on the state’s multi-use trails,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director William C. Janeway. “In too many places, the term ‘multi-use’ automatically equates to motorized use. This law ensures that hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers aren’t left out of the state’s planning and trail development efforts.”
Caitlin O’Brien, American Heart Association New York Director of Government Relations said, “Being sedentary is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Multi-use trails are appealing and safe, and make it easy for people to either incorporate a walk or bike ride into their day, or head for the trail for exercise. Just as we advocated for the support of the Empire Trail, we are glad that Governor Cuomo signed the important legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Fahy and Senator Kaplan to let DPRHP create a plan for an amenity that will lead to improved health for New Yorkers.”
Erin Mitchell, AARP New York Director of Engagement said, “A strong system of multi-use and interconnected trails encourages safe walking and biking and improves our transportation network, all of which help to create more livable communities for New Yorkers of all ages. As our population grows older — with more New Yorkers now 65 and over than under 13 — it’s critical to make New York more age-friendly. We applaud Assemblywoman Fahy and her colleagues for proposing this plan, and we thank Governor Cuomo for signing it into law.”
