Funding Will Help Create A World-Class Recreational Trail Along Ashokan Reservoir  

KINGSTON, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein today thanked Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (“OPRHP”) Commissioner Rose Harvey for awarding an additional $500,000 in funding to the County’s Ashokan Rail Trail project, an 11.5 mile recreational trail from West Hurley to Boiceville along the scenic northern shores of the Ashokan Reservoir.  Slated for start of construction in late 2017, the project is currently in the design and planning stage and was the subject of a Public Meeting on December 1 that attracted more than 340 people to a County presentation on the project. The funds, which are through the Environmental Protection Fund: Parks, Preservation and Heritage Grant Program, add to the $2.6 million in previously-awarded State grants for the project and the $2.5 million in funding from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”).

“We are grateful to Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Harvey for their vision and incredible support for this transformational project, which will create a world-class tourism destination along the northern shore of the Ashokan Reservoir and will ultimately be a highlight of the interconnected rail trail system from the Walkway Over the Hudson to the Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Park,” noted County Executive Hein.  “This project will provide tremendous benefits to public health, economic development, and quality of life, which is evidenced by the more than $5.6 million in outside grants to date that the project has attracted as well as recent recognition of the project by National Geographic Magazine.  In addition, we are pleased to have partnered with the City of Kingston who also received additional funding for its rail trail and complete streets initiative, all of which will help to link and improve our County’s trail network.”

Town of Olive Supervisor Sylvia Rozzelle stated, “I’m elated that County Executive Mike Hein was successful in receiving these additional grant funds for the Ashokan Rail Trail.  This historic project will help support our local economy and will expand recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.  At the recent public information meeting it was reassuring to know that Olive business owners and local residents expressed overwhelming support for the Trail.  This project will be a big boost to the Town of Olive. ”