Murphy announces Greenway grants for new Mohansic trailway

YORKTOWN, NY – Senator Terrence Murphy today announced that two communities in Westchester received an $13,000 in matching grants through the 2016 Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program, part of an unprecedented $254,000 in overall grants for the Mid-Hudson Region. These projects will improve public access to natural and cultural resources, provide greater connectivity between communities, and enhance the visitor experience at trails and open spaces throughout the Hudson River Valley.

“As Senator, I’ve fought hard to preserve the Greenway whether it’s through fighting against new barge anchorages or fighting to establish new trails,” Senator Murphy said. “We have an obligation to leave future generations better off and this funding for the Mohansic trailway will bring new heritage tourism to Yorktown while preserving our scenic beauty.”

“These trails are pathways to the Hudson River Valley’s unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor recreation,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “This funding will help to ensure these trailways remain well-preserved and accessible so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy these natural treasures for years to come.”

The Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program is administered by the Hudson River Valley Greenway, with funds from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. The Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program supports the Greenway’s goal to establish the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail, a contiguous trail linking cultural and historic sites, parks, open spaces and community centers from New York City to the Adirondacks.

The following projects will be supported by the 2016 Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program:

NY-NJ Trail Conference – $5,000 – Westchester Trail Maps
Yorktown Trail Committee – $12,500 – Mohansic Trailway Construction

“The funding will allow us to enhance the beauty of Yorktown’s extensive trail system,” said Yorktown Town Supervisor Michael Grace. “The main component, the proposed Mohansic Trailway, connecting FDR Park and the community, will have a tangible positive effect on tourism and the local economy.”

“Quality trails offer four-seasons of recreation for all who live and visit our great state,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “Thanks to these grants, we will better connect people to the Hudson Valley’s spectacular scenery, while improving the quality of life and lifting the economies of host communities.”

Hudson River Valley Greenway Acting Executive Director Mark Castiglione said, “The Hudson River Valley Greenway is pleased to be able to support such a diverse array of trail projects. We applaud these communities and organizations for their efforts to build regional trail connections, create more walkable and bikeable communities, and increase tourism opportunities.”

Yorktown Councilman Ed Lachterman said, “To quote the Yorktown motto, Greenway Conservancy Trail is ‘the perfect blend of progress through preservation.’ By enhancing and maintaining the beauty of nature that God has blessed us with we will encourage tourism and area improvements that will benefit our county.”

“It is important that we preserve and enhance our natural resources,” said Councilman Tom Diana. “Through the Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program we can take a significant step in advancing projects that will make our community a better place to visit and to live in.”

Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson said, “Greenway trails are pathways to the Hudson Valley’s remarkable natural beauty and history, and a link to our future. Investing in these resources is critical to sustaining the region’s strong quality of life and vibrant tourism economy. I congratulate Governor Cuomo and the Greenway Conservancy for their vision and leadership.”

The Hudson River Valley Greenway is a unique state-sponsored program established by the Greenway Act of 1991. More than 84 percent of municipalities within the Greenway area have designated themselves as “Greenway Communities.” The program is designed to encourage projects and initiatives related to the intersecting goals of natural and cultural resource protection, regional planning, economic development, public access, and heritage and environmental education. It provides technical assistance and catalytic grant funding for planning, water and land trails, and other projects that reinforce these goals. In keeping with the New York tradition of home rule, the Greenway program has no regulatory authority and participation by municipalities in Greenway programs and projects is entirely voluntary.

The Greenway also manages the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in partnership with the National Park Service. Visit www.hudsongreenway.ny.gov for more information on the Hudson River Valley Greenway. Visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com for more information on the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.