FALLSBURG -— There is approximately a $550,000 funding gap for the Neversink Crossing Project of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail which has an estimated construction cost of $3.2 million. Last week, the Legislature passed a resolution that commits the county to filling that gap using funds from its 2024 operating budget. 

“This [project] was something that is heavily invested in by the county, state and local agencies and a private donor,” said District 1 Legislator Matt McPhillips, the Planning and Economic Development Committee Chair. “This is important for our long-term economic development needs and is a big tourist draw. It was necessary that we allowed the funding to go through to finish the job.”

Over $3 million in Federal, State, county and private funds had previously been secured to support the project, located in the Town of Fallsburg. 

The Neversink Crossing Project is for the construction of a 14-mile pedestrian bridge over the Neversink River to connect existing trails from one end of the Town of Fallsburg to the other. According to Sullivan County Division of Planning Commissioner Heather Brown, the trail will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and free for anyone to access. 

“Sullivan County has always been known for its incredible landscape and invites residents and visitors alike to explore the many opportunities to experience the outdoors,” said Brown. “The Neversink Crossing Project will place this segment of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail on the map as a regionally significant trail that is available for everyone to enjoy.”

The project was identified as a priority project in a 2019 feasibility study conducted for the O&W Rail Trail.

“This helps us really connect with the trails as it is a key portion of the Rail Trail,” Matt McPhillips said. “I am looking forward to seeing the project go through fruition.”

Brown also noted that the project has now enjoyed the full support of three different legislative boards.

“It speaks to our commitment as a community to create these special public spaces to be enjoyed for many years to come,” Brown said.

The county and the Town of Fallsburg have been working together to finalize the engineering for the project.