COLD SPRING – The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. has pledged $450,000 to the Village of Cold Spring and Town of Philipstown allowing for the extension of sidewalks from Mayor’s Park to Route 9D and Little Stony Point along Fair Street—a project to cost $2 million.
Both municipalities have applied for a state grant from the New York State DOT that would reimburse 80 percent of the project costs. The $450,000 will cover the 20 percent required from the village and town.
The 7.5-mile trail connecting Cold Spring with Beacon is designed to alleviate overcrowding in Cold Spring and along Route 9D. Many out-of-towners and hikers walk from the Metro-North Railroad Station in Cold Spring along Fair Street which has no sidewalks to reach Little Stony Point and points to the north.
Hudson Valley Fjord Trail Inc. officials say the sidewalks will provide a safe pedestrian route from Main Street to Little Stony Point and the Washburn Trail.
The connection will result in Dockside Park becoming a part of the trail allowing for safe passage for pedestrians.
Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen Foley, Nelsonville Mayor Chris Winward and Philipstown Supervisor John Van Tassel said they were grateful for the $450,000 pledge adding that the three municipalities must now come up with funds to construct sidewalks along Route 9D toward Breakneck.
The trail’s executive directors have also announced that the Putnam section of the project is still two years away since Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. has decided to prioritize the northern section from Breakneck Ridge to Beacon in Dutchess County.
An environmental impact statement timeline noted that construction on both the northern and southern section in Putnam would get underway later this year.
Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. hopes to build a boardwalk that extends into the river as part of the southern trail. Many residents, as well as the environmental group Riverkeeper, have expressed concern about the impact of construction on the river.
Comments