‘TRAILS ACROSS NEW YORK’ LEGISLATIVE AGENDA UNVEILED BY FAHY, PARKS AND TRAILS ADVOCATES
ALBANY, N.Y. — Assemblymember Patricia Fahy will join outdoor enthusiasts and grassroots trail groups from across the state today in Albany, to unveil a legislative agenda ‘Trails Across New York’ and for Trails Advocacy Day, a day of legislative advocacy on behalf of New York’s growing multi-use trail network. Trails Across New York is a package of legislation that will encourage the promotion, expansion, and growth of multi-use trails across the state, and help the state move towards a long-term plan
Trails Advocacy Day comes at a pivotal time for New York’s rapidly developing trail network. With the massive Empire State Trail project approaching completion in 2020, advocates will outline the Trails Across New York agenda, including next steps necessary to fully connect the state’s trails network. Key asks include legislation to create a comprehensive trails planning process (A5035 / S4416) and funding to extend access to the Empire State Trail to millions more New Yorkers with a Long Island extension. Trail groups will also be championing regional and local trail projects, and supporting legislation to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety on roads and trails, namely closing the loophole in the State’s Complete Streets law (A6029 / S1549). A full list of the bills included in the Trails Across New York agenda can be found here.
“I thank Parks & Trails New York and other groups for their advocacy in highlighting the overall tourism impacts of long-distance trails, as well as local benefits that result from connecting and completing ‘backyard’ trail sections,” said Fahy. “The ‘Trails Across New York’ agenda outlines the need for comprehensive trails planning and measures to address safety of bicyclists and pedestrians in ensuring that communities across the state have access to safe, off-road recreation and transportation options.”
“The Empire State Trail project has brought national attention to all of New York’s outdoor destinations — beyond just the trails. With completion of that project scheduled for 2020, now is the time to think about making further connections. Linking communities on Long Island to this network will be a huge benefit, as will creating a planning process that fosters trail development in other parts of the state,” said Robin Dropkin, Parks & Trails New York Executive Director.
“The Empire State Trail is a win-win for healthy lifestyles and statewide economic development. Increasingly, New Yorkers and visitors to our state are enjoying active lifestyles and exploring our rich cultural and small-town attractions,” said Andy Bicking, Director of Public Policy for the environmental group Scenic Hudson. “Developing the Empire State Trail as the ‘backbone’ of the state’s trail system will keep the state competitive in attracting tourism dollars and be a major contributor to our quality of life. One needs to look no further than the success of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park to see what this initiative can deliver to the state.”
Slated for completion in 2020, the Empire State Trail will create the nation’s premier multi-use trail — a full 750 miles of off-road trail and safe on-road connections. This initiative will secure New York’s place as a destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism, and contribute substantially to New York’s economy. The Erie Canalway Trail, a main component of the Empire State Trail, already generates $253 million in annual economic impact and supports 3,400 jobs across Upstate New York.
At more than twice the length of the Erie, the Empire State Trail is projected to have a significantly larger economic impact. Extending this marquee trail to millions of Long Island residents will increase these gains, as well as addressing a vital need for safe, off-road recreation and transportation options.
