HURLEYVILLE — The O&W Rail Trail got a much-needed boost in funds thanks to New York State Senator Jen Metzger. Her office was able to secure a $200,000 State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) grant for the rail trail expansion project in South Fallsburg.

The grant will help the town acquire properties beneath and adjacent to the rail bed, helping expand the popular rail trail.

The Hurleyville and the Milk Train Rail Trails offer a level and paved trail that provides views of wetlands and a variety of environments on historic ground.

The expanded trail will include the Neversink River and over 13 miles of continuous trails.

Standing at the Hurleyville trailhead, Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steven Vegliante said they worked on grading the trail and paving parts of it, so that people can enjoy on bikes, walking, and people of all abilities will be able to use it.

Metzger said, “These are your communities, and you recognize its vital importance to the well-being of your community and to the local government.”

Moreover, she added, “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 our local businesses.”

County Legislator Luis Alvarez, whose district includes part of Fallsburg, said he has been able to see first hand the beauty of Sullivan County while working for the Sheriff's Office for 35 years.

“You have a place where you could walk and look at the beauty,” said Alvarez.

All of those who spoke at the trailhead spoke about how partnerships helped make the grant a reality and helped make Hurleyville into the hamlet that it is today.

Those partnerships included Sullivan Renaissance and the Center for Discovery.

Sullivan Renaissance Executive Director Denise Frangipane said, “The trailheads and the areas of the trail are as unique as each of the hamlets they touch on. We need the public, private, and community partnerships to make it succeed.”

The Center for Discovery Vice President of Development Richard Humleker added, that “The Rail Trail is a signature component of the hamlet's - and the region's - revitalization. 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.”

PR_MetzgerTrail_IMG_9736.jpg