Work begins on Rail Trail extension: Taking the trail from Millerton to Ancram

MILLERTON — After many years of anticipation and coordination, the county has begun work on extending the Harlem Valley Rail Trail (HVRT) northward, from Millerton to Ancram in Columbia County.

“I pinched myself,” said Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association Chairman Dick Hermans about when he learned the news. “I looked at some old news reports, and there was one from 2005 that then-County Executive William Steinhaus had said the trail was  going to be built right away. Then they discovered the Walkway over the Hudson, and then the Dutchess County Rail Trail, which is now named for Steinhaus. They all got in the way. But all is well that ends well.”

And for those looking forward to bringing the 8.2-mile extension from the trail head on Main Street (Route 44) in Millerton to Under Mountain Road in the town of Ancram, it’s indeed ending well. Though that end won’t come until October, 2020.

According to its website, www.hvrt.org, “The Harlem Valley Rail Trail currently has over 15 miles of paved trail and is actively used by thousands of walkers and bikers every year.”

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said he’s “thrilled” about the extension project getting underway. Work began mid-March.

“The HVRT project has faced many challenges along the way, but we finally have a construction plan that is both fiscally and environmentally responsible thanks to the cooperation, dedication and determination of our design team and all our partners,” stated Molinaro in a press release. “The [Rail Trail] has been a destination trail for years and a wonderful way for residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty of northeastern Dutchess County. This new 8-mile connection will enhance the trail’s appeal and encourage even greater use for years to come.”

Hermans said it’s taken a lot of legwork to get to this point.

“This particular section has taken over 12 years to get the permits to build in the wetlands, because it’s a very sensitive area and I’m sure that nobody cut any corners,” he said, adding there was a meeting over a year ago getting down to “brass tacks,” and that the county stressed it wanted to stay within its budget. “The first thought was that it would be $9 million, now it’s over $14.7 million, and part of that is because of the condition of the trail. 

“There’s been a lot of beaver activity over the years and it’s important that the water is level on either side of the trail, for erosion and critters,” Hermans added. “There will also be several board walks to allow water to pass through underneath and those will be expensive to put in.”

The final phase of the project was approved by the Dutchess County Legislature in October, 2018. Total project costs, according to Molinaro’s office, are estimated at $14.7 million, with $9.365 million being federally funded. Both Dutchess County and Columbia County are also chipping in to cover costs.

Dutchess County Department of Public Works Commissioner Robert Balkind said that “the trail crossing will be constructed at intersections with Main Street, Beilke-State Line Road, Rudd Pond Road, White House Crossing Road and Under Mountain Road.

“Minor traffic disruption at the intersections is anticipated as we undergo this much anticipated community project,” he added, asking for the community’s patience.

Hermans said by bringing the trail to Under Mountain Road, the hope is that the town of Ancram will see “a little more traffic to that little hamlet, because there are a few businesses there.

“It was their big rail terminal in the old days,” he said, “and so there’s some potential there for some economic development spurred by the trail coming in.”

Certainly, Millerton has benefited economically from the Rail Trail, which sits within the village business district. Hermans agreed that the trail benefits the community at large — and he wants to see it expand even more.

“We’re hoping that this will provide momentum to propel the trail further north from Hillsdale, because we really want to get to Chatham eventually, though it’s going to take time,” he said. “This is returning tax dollars back to the community, in a sense. And it’s more than the value of the trails. Rail Trails are the fastest growing recreational project in New York state, and have been for a couple of years.”

If the trail makes its way to Chatham, it will add another 23 miles. Already, the Rail Trail runs between Wassaic and Millerton, with roughly 15 miles of trail between them, according to Hermans. The new extension will add another 8.2 miles.

“This is a major project,” acknowledged Balkind. “It is exciting to get this project underway and enhance this wonderful county asset for all to enjoy.”

“It’s the highlight of my year,” added Hermans. “We haven’t had too much big news on the trail, but this is definitely big news.”

Coming down the pike, meanwhile, April 13 is Opening Day for Trails, as designated by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (more at www.railstotrails.org). Right now, most of the Amenia-Millerton section is being tended to by student groups, so there is no call for volunteers for that section yet, according to John Roccanova, volunteer coordinator for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

“I have divided the trail into sections so that people can ‘adopt’ a section,” explained Roccanova in an email to this newspaper. “Adopting means as people walk, run or ride and they see something like a tree down or cracking pavement, they would report it to us. Several sections have been adopted, but more are available.”

So far, the Rail Trail Association has done about three miles of trail maintenance with three student volunteer groups: the North East Community Center’s (NECC) Teen Rail Trail Rangers; NECC’s After School Program; and Boy Scout Troop 29 of Amenia, Wassaic and Millerton.

More volunteers are wanted for other sections of the trail. To learn more, or to contact the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, call 518-789-9591 or email railtrail@hvrt.org.