Plans Rolling Ahead to Connect 64-Mile Bikeway with Neighborhoods
A bikeway being developed in Orange County will be connected to neighborhoods by small bike paths, says Orange County Planning Commissioner Alan Sorensen.
Plans are progressing to link neighborhoods to the 64-mile Orange County Bikeway now in development, Orange County Planning Commissioner Alan Sorensen said in a recent phone interview. The Orange County Local Connector Trails Feasability Study is exploring ways to use small paths from neighborhoods to the Bikeway, a venture in alternative transportation to support environmental healh.
“We’ll partner with local municipalities to make plans with a cost estimate to pursue funds to build within two or three years,” Sorensen said. “We have to work through easements and acquisitions. We’ll plan the right of way, then apply for funding to complete the trails.”
Priority will be given to neighborhoods according to need and income, he said. A trail from Newburgh to Middletown is being examined for the project, and Otisville and Port Jervis are expected to be considered next. Bikeway cost will be $112 million, but federal and state funding will pay for about 85% of that, Sorensen said.
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