It will be the first reconstruction of those sections since the path was built 25 years ago.

The most noticeable improvement will be the widening of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail from 8 feet to the 10 feet now required by the state, Albany County Deputy Public Works Commissioner Michael V. Franchini said.

Seventy percent of the construction cost, estimated at $580,000, will be provided by federal funds. The county's budget for capital programs will pick up the remainder, as well as the $200,000 to $250,000 in engineering fees. The Albany firm of Greenman-Pedersen will design and do the engineering work.

"We're looking at things like a guide rail in certain areas where it might be a little steep, a little slope," Franchini said. "We want to protect people from going off the path."

Improvements also will be made to worn pavement. The path traverses numerous counties and offers spectacular views of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers and, at times, wildlife. It was built in sections between 1981 and 1985.

One suggestion came Monday from Pam Spickler of Watervliet, who tries to walk every day with her friend, Hector Victoria.

As the couple got out of their car at the Watervliet parking lot -- commonly known as Fishermen's Park -- they bundled up in heavy jackets with hoods to brave the windy, cold spring day.

A few benches scattered along the path for the elderly or tired walkers would be nice, the 44-year-old Spickler said.

Actually, benches are on the list of possibilities, along with bike racks, informational kiosks and rest areas to bring the Hudson River closer to public viewing.

Victoria, 39, estimates the couple walk about 2.5 miles south toward Menands and Albany and back.

"He's got to get a little better in shape and so do I," said Spickler, hoping the five miles a day will do the trick.

They enjoy the view of the river and at times see deer and rabbits. They like the fact that part of the path is blacktop and part dirt or gravel, which is easier on the joints.

"Everybody is very friendly and says hello," Spickler said.

Some 21 miles of the path are in Albany County. County government is responsible for maintaining six miles of it -- in Cohoes and Menands -- along the Hudson River. Other municipalities, such as Albany and Colonie, maintain the portions in their communities. The path starts at the Corning Preserve in Albany.

Construction is expected to start in August and be completed by November, Franchini said.

The project will deal with that part of the trail that runs along the river from Menands, north of Albany, to the parking lot in Watervliet. The portion to be renovated in Cohoes spans from the Alexander Street parking lot to the southern border of Colonie.

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