Press Release: NYS, April 26, 2004

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $600,000 in funding to complete the design and construction of a pedestrian bridge over State Route 14 on the Catharine Valley Trail in the Town of Veteran in Chemung County. The structure will be located approximately one-quarter mile south of the Village of Millport.

"The Catharine Valley Trail offers local residents and travelers access to a beautiful, multi-use pathway that will connect Mark Twain and Watkins Glen State Parks and help preserve and showcase the heritage of this historic Southern Tier landscape," Governor Pataki said. "Thanks to a successful partnership between Federal, State and local officials, this new pedestrian bridge will allow for the completion of the Catherine Valley Trail -- finally opening the full length of the trail to residents and visitors from across the region and the State."

Senator John R. (Randy) Kuhl, Jr. said, "I have been a huge supporter of the Catharine Valley Trail. The construction and completion of this trail promises an enormous boost to local tourism, and I'm extremely excited that federal, state and local cooperation will get the project back on the path to completion. That's a great development for our region. I continue to be grateful to Governor Pataki and his administration for their commitment to New York State's natural strengths and for helping our region build a future on these strengths."

Assemblyman George Winner said, "Once again, Governor George E. Pataki has demonstrated his continued support for the communities of the Southern Tier. Further development of the Catherine Valley Trail will undoubtedly enhance its aesthetic value, making it that much more attractive to residents and tourists alike. I would like to thank Governor George E. Pataki for his commitment to our region. I look forward to working with all parties involved as this exciting venture progresses."

Sandy Ayrs, Mayor, Village of Millport, said, "This is great news for our area and we are looking forward to moving ahead and completing the project. The Pedestrian Bridge will be used and enjoyed by all."

Frank Rusby, Supervisor, Town of Veteran, said, "The Town of Veteran is elated to hear of the release of funds to continue the construction of the Catherine Valley Trail. Having the bridge crossing over Route 14, will have a very positive effect on the project in general. We look forward to completion of this great asset in affording a resource for local use and the potential for many visitors to the area."

Jay Schissell, President of the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, said, "The Route 14 bridge is an important step towards completing the Catharine Valley Trail and will heighten the public's awareness of the trail. We look forward to working with the community to enhance and promote this important regional asset."

Today's announcement provides additional necessary resources to complete the bridge and trail development. The total project cost is $1.8 million, including $1.5 million in State Department of Transportation administered federal funding, and $300,000 from the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). When completed, the entire trail will be twelve miles long and connect Horseheads in Chemung County to Watkins Glen in Schuyler County. The trail and the bridge are designed to be fully accessible for the handicapped.

The new, 450-foot structure will be constructed as a steel, pre-fabricated truss bridge, chosen for its durability and aesthetic quality. Upon completion of the structure, which will be open to both pedestrians and bicyclists, the trail can be extended southward to the village of Horseheads, Chemung County. A six-mile segment of the trail extends from the trailhead at Millport in Chemung County north along a wooded hillside to South Genesee Street in Montour Falls, Schuyler County and was opened last June. When complete, the full 12-mile multi-use pathway will link Mark Twain and Watkins Glen State Parks.

Approximately 80 percent, or $480,000 of the $600,000 announced today has been obtained through the Surface Transportation Program, a State Department of Transportation administered federal funding program that can be used for highway, bridge, pedestrian, and safety enhancement projects. Twenty percent of the cost, $120,000, was obtained through the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

New York has one of the most extensive trails systems in the nation. The state's nearly 17,000 miles of trails extend across wildlife areas, mountain peaks, riverfronts, lakesides, urban and suburban walkways and historic sites.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki, and our partnerships with local, federal, and state officials and agencies such as OPRHP we are progressing with the beautiful Catharine Valley Trail, which will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with a safe and pleasant way of enjoying the scenic beauty and history of Chemung and Schuyler counties."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "With this additional funding in place, the work on the scenic Catharine Valley Trail can continue, providing an important outdoor recreational link among these local communities. The construction of the pedestrian bridge will enhance and facilitate use of the trail and furthers Governor Pataki's goal to increase access to the state's natural resources for New Yorkers and visitors to the Finger Lakes/Southern Tier region. Thanks to the efforts of DOT and our federal, state and local partners along with private sector support, this project is a sterling example of teamwork."