Senator Metzger Announces $200,000 State Grant to Town of Fallsburg for O&W Rail Trail Expansion Project

Hurleyville, NY...State Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) yesterday stood with Sullivan County local leaders, Sullivan Renaissance, and the Center for Discovery to announce a $200,000 State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) grant secured by her office for the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Expansion Project in South Fallsburg. The funding will help the Town acquire needed properties beneath and adjacent to the rail bed, enabling trail development and expanded access to the Neversink River, and contributing to over 13 miles of continuous trails.

State Senator Jen Metzger said, "I worked on rail trail development in my community when I served in local government, and I've seen the kind of transformative impact it can have on the local economy and on community quality of life. Rail trails are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability, and are truly a benefit to the whole community. These trails are also a magnet for tourism, bringing visitors to our downtowns and to our local businesses. I am thrilled to be able to help support the expansion of Sullivan County's rail trail, and applaud the collaborative efforts of towns, the County, and community partners like Sullivan Renaissance and the Center for Discovery to create a continuous rail trail through Sullivan communities." 

Fallsburg Town Supervisor Steve Vegliante said, “I am proud to stand next to the Senator today, and welcome her help in rebuilding this trail system throughout our Town. Senator Metzger has consistently put the people of this Town and her entire Senate District first, and with this help we will be completing a trail system of over 13 miles linking our hamlets and offering much needed outdoor recreation. This project would not be possible without her commitment to our Town.”

“Thank you so much for what you do for Sullivan County,” County Legislator Luis Alvarez said to Metzger, “I was very fortunate to have worked for thirty-five years for the Sheriff’s Department because it gave me the ability, the knowledge, and the understanding of what Sullivan County really looks like. I’ve always seen the beauty of Sullivan County, and people come to Sullivan specifically to experience its beauty. It’s magnificent what we’re doing here—opening this to the people of Sullivan County–to people from outside. This trail has a lot of history.”

Sullivan Renaissance Executive Director Denise Frangipane said, “The trailheads and the areas of trail are as unique as each of the hamlets they touch on. We need the public, private, and community partnership to make it succeed. Sullivan Renaissance has been involved and we’re committed to staying involved. We’ll be there for any crossing or station that we can possibly be supportive of, and look forward to enjoying the trails together.”

Denise Frangipane also shared that her mother in law, Fallsburg native Alice Tierny Pammer, was the proprietor of A&B Bike Rentals on La Vista Drive, and would map out a route for her customers, ending right at the Hurleyville Rail Trailhead where she would often leave water and lunch for customers to enjoy.

“We are so grateful for Senator Metzger’s efforts to secure a $200,000 State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) grant for the Town of Fallsburg's Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Expansion Project. For more than a decade, The Center for Discovery has been leading a comprehensive effort to reimagine what it means to be a fully inclusive and sustainable community in Hurleyville. Thanks to major partnerships with local government, the Open Space Institute, SUNY Sullivan, Sullivan Renaissance, and a number of individuals and private foundations, we have been able to transform Hurleyville into a viable, fully integrated Main Street that includes new business ventures and recreational opportunities. The Rail Trail is a signature component of the hamlet’s – and the region’s – revitalization, and we couldn’t be more grateful for Senator Metzger’s unwavering support,” said Patrick H. Dollard, President & CEO of The Center for Discovery.

Village of Woodridge Mayor Joan Collins said, “The Village of Woodridge is thrilled to see the progression of the improvements to the O & W Rail Trail, a project we have been working on with the Town of Fallsburg for many years. We appreciate Senator Metzger’s attention to and support of this project that enhances our community and is an asset to our residents.”

Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees. 

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