Picturing the Chenango Heritage Rail Trail

The Chenango Greenway Conservancy aims to establish a 60-mile multi-use rail-trail along the current New York Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W) Railway corridor from Chenango Forks to just South of Sangerfield. The Chenango Heritage Rail Trail would connect the communities of the Chenango Valley in a transformative way that stimulates future growth and community development, while also honoring the history of the people, river, canal and railroads that have shaped our communities.

We are assembling a diverse group of Chenango County municipalities and community members along the proposed trail line to come together via the Chenango Heritage Rail Trail coalition. United under the same vision, we are working together to see the Chenango Heritage Rail Trail come to fruition. The coalition will work with the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency, the NYS&W Railway, and relevant local, state, and federal entities to facilitate the trail-making process.

The process of Railbanking a corridor involves an organization (such as a government, nonprofit, etc.) that is willing and able to temporarily assume responsibility of creating and maintaining a rail-trail along the corridor.

This keeps the corridor intact for possible future railroad use while allowing for an interim use, such as a multi-use trail.

The Vestal Rail Trail in Broome County, NY is a prime example of a Railbanked trail that has seen great success since its construction in 2002. After undergoing multiple expansions over the years, the trail extends 4.6 miles through downtown Vestal. Local residents and representatives are enthusiastic in their support for the safe and enjoyable access to green space that the trail provides.

In November 2019, the [Vestal Rail Trail] saw more than 10,700 pedestrians and over 980 bicyclists"

In a town with just under 30,000 people as of 2019, the Vestal Rail Trail has seen significant use among community members, many of whom say they use the trail every day. While the Chenango Heritage Rail Trail would service smaller communities, the creation of useful and accessible trails is no less important.

Local issues that could pose challenges:

• Privacy
• Ecological Disruption
• Homelessness
• Pollution
• Safety
• Maintenance
• Compare to Other Railway Uses
• Funding

Local issues that the trail development supports:

• Trail Network
• Tourism
• Cleanliness
• Increased Property Values
• Development of Active Transportation Infrastructure
• Community Connectivity
• Downtown Revitalization
• Snowmobiling
• Business Opportunities

The Chenango Greenway Conservancy believes that by partnering with multiple federal, state, and local agencies, as well as various non-profit organizations and foundations, we can arrange appropriate funding to transform this long-held dream into the reality of an expanded active transportation network and new ways of connecting our communities.

Federal Sources:

• Transportation Alternatives (TA)
• Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
• Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
• Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP)
• Congressional Earmarks
• Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

State Sources:

• NY Transit State Dedicated Fund (SDF) Program
• NY State Operating Assistance (STOA)

1. We are currently focused on building the Chenango Heritage Rail Trail coalition.
2. We are applying for a $50,000 grant for a feasibility study of a rail-trail in this corridor.
3. We are continuing to partner with government agencies, non-profits and corporations to expand our network of people who can help establish this rail-trail.
4. We are defining a viable "trail manager" for the Railbanking process.
5. We are identifying valuable trail sections for initial development.

Website:  Chenangogreenway.org  

Instagram/Facebook: @chenangogreenway

Email: contactus@chenangogreenway.org