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(Schenectady, NY) Susan Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature, today announced that Schenectady County has received a $75,000 Recreation Trails Program grant from the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to expand Schenectady County’s parks and trails system.
The grant will expand the Plotterkill Preserve in Rotterdam by adding 20-acres and constructing additional trails. The project involves purchasing a 20-acre portion of an existing parcel bordering the Plotterkill Preserve and developing a new trail head, parking area and access point. Approximately 2,300 feet of new trail will be constructed. A kiosk and small parking area will be built similar to the existing trail head facilities at other entrances to the Plotterkill.
“We appreciate the support from Governor Paterson and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation,” said Chairwoman Savage. “This grant will increase access to our beautiful trail system for all County residents to enjoy. More importantly the new access point will improve the safety of this trail.”
Chair Savage noted the new access point will improve safety by shortening the response time needed for emergency service providers to reach a lost or injured hiker and by rerouting portions of the NY/NJ Long Path Trail.
The NY/NJ Long Path Trail will be rerouted off roadways into the Preserve for approximately 2.5 miles making a key connection for this State hiking trail through Schenectady County and allow hikers to hook up with the Mohawk-Hudson bike/hike trail.
The total project cost is $94,800 with 80% ($75,840) funded through the grant announced today and a local 20% ($18,960) match requirement. The local match will be provided by the Town of Rotterdam ($5,000), Schenectady County through in-kind services ($3,500) and the Metroplex Development Authority ($10,460).
