Senator LaValle Applauds D.O.T. for Reinstatement of Rails to Trails Funding

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle was pleased to learn that $2 million in state funds he previously secured for Suffolk County’s Rails to Trails program has been reinstated by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) on its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

            “The Rails to Trails project had some bumps in the road that needed to be smoothed over,” said Senator LaValle.  “Now that the obstacles have been cleared, the project is back on track and moving forward without a problem.”

            The Rails to Trails program is sponsored by Suffolk County and will allow for a 12-mile bicycle/pedestrian path to be developed along the abandoned Long Island Rail Road track from Port Jefferson Station to Wading River.  The project is scheduled to begin in Rocky Point’s downtown business district and spread both east and west.

            “The $2 million in state funds will be of significant help to the project’s successful completion,” said Senator LaValle.  “I am pleased to have played a role in providing a recreational trail that offers a safe venue for bike riders and hikers to enjoy the great outdoors and the beauty of Long Island’s north shore.”