The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the official opening of two new Canalway Trail segments in Montgomery County. Both segments were started in January 2003 as part of the Governor George Pataki's five-year $50 million Canal Revitalization Program that was announced in May 2002.

With the completion of the two new segments, a 20-mile strip that connects Fort Hunter, Fultonville and Canajoharie and a seven-mile strip from Fort Plain to Minden, Montgomery County is now home to approximately 40 miles of continuous Canalway Trail.

"The success of the Governor’s Program thus far and the timely completion of these projects is a true example of our dedication to the New York State Canal System and the Canalway Trail," said Canal Corporation Executive Director Michael Fleischer. "As with many other Canalway Trail projects, the partnerships forged between the Canal Corporation and numerous organizations, including state and local governments, are vital to the Trail’s success."

"The eventual completion of the Canalway Trail from Lake Erie to the Hudson River will provide a tremendous statewide system, presenting numerous recreational opportunities along the scenic and historical New York State Canal Corridor," added Director of Canals Robert Bulman. "With Governor Pataki’s support and with the support of Canal communities across the State, we continue to take important steps toward that goal."

Additional partners in both projects were the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), which owns the abandoned West Shore Railroad, and Montgomery County, which maintains and manages these segments of Trail through an agreement with OPRHP.

"Together with the Canal Corporation, we have forged a successful partnership to advance Governor Pataki’s vision for expanded recreation along the Canal," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "Establishing these trails will now provide even greater access to quality waterfront activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.’

Senator Hugh T. Farley said, "The Mohawk River defines the heritage of our area, from early trading routes to industrial and transportation purposes and now as part of active recreation and historical preservation. These newly opened sections of the Canalway Trail showcase the beauty of Montgomery County, while offering opportunities for economic development. I salute Governor Pataki for his commitment to complete the entire Canalway Trail from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, and I appreciate the work of Michael Fleischer, Bob Bulman, and their Canal Corporation team in working cooperatively with the County government and local residents."

Assemblyman Paul D. Tonko said, "I have long asserted that the completion of the Canalway Trail through Montgomery County and the Mohawk Valley is of the utmost importance. The completion of 27 miles in Montgomery County provides residents and visitors with a vital piece of infrastructure for recreation, heritage and community linkage offerings, which potentially impact positive economic growth in this region. With this important infrastructure in place, we can begin to look toward future improvements and additional community links."

Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, Ronald Barone, Sr., said, "These new segments of trail are a great success for all of the people who put a lot of hard work into seeing this project through to completion. I want to congratulate everyone involved. This is another great move for Montgomery County and New York State."

The 20-mile segment that links the villages of Fort Hunter, Fultonville and Canajoharie includes trailhead parking, landscaping and interpretive kiosks with maps of the Trail at several key locations. It also serves as an important non-motorized transportation link between the three communities, and to employment facilities such as Beechnut Foods, and historic destinations such as the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. This $3 million project was funded by federal Transportation Enhancement and Canal Corporation funds.

The second project completed, a seven-mile segment that links the Villages of Fort Plain and Minden, also includes trailhead parking, landscaping and interpretive signage. This segment of Trail serves as a transportation link between the two communities, as well as the Village of St. Johnsville. It also provides access to Canajoharie, Fonda, Amsterdam and Erie Canal Locks 15 and 16. This $1.2 million project was also funded with federal Transportation Enhancement and Canal Corporation funds.

The Governor’s Program provides $50 million over five years to fund a variety of new Canal projects, including $35 million to complete the 348-mile Canalway bike and pedestrian trail linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River. The program will be financed with $25 million from the federal Department of Transportation Enhancement Program, which flows through the State Department of Transportation, and $25 million in Canal Corporation capital funds. Delaney Construction of Mayfield completed both projects.

The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of more than 240 miles of multi-use, recreational trails across upstate New York. When completed, the Canalway Trail System will provide nearly 500 miles of multi-use trails for outdoor and recreational enthusiasts along the historic Canal System. Segments of the Trail System connect with other trails throughout New York State, providing one of the most extensive trail networks in the country.