New York State Awarded Funds for Hiking Trails

The federal funding supports new walking, biking, and hiking infrastructure projects across the Mohawk Valley.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Hiking

New York State Awarded Funds for Hiking Trails

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Do you support using state and federal funding for local walking and biking trail projects?

New York State received over $97 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Program funding to boost local walking, biking, and hiking access. This includes $7 million specifically allocated to support infrastructure projects within the Mohawk Valley region.

Why it matters

Expanding trail networks and pedestrian paths provides safer, accessible options for outdoor physical activity. The funding helps communities enhance existing greenways and streetscapes to encourage more active transportation and exercise.

The Federal Highway Administration announced $97 million in state-wide project awards, including $7 million directed to four specific Mohawk Valley locations. These grants support diverse improvements ranging from path expansions to streetscape upgrades.

The players

Federal Highway Administration

The federal agency that provides national infrastructure grants for transportation and pedestrian safety.

New York State Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for overseeing and managing regional infrastructure and trail development awards.

The details

The New York State Department of Transportation manages these awards through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program. The funds are earmarked for local improvements, such as the 2,000-foot extension of the Chenango Canal Trail in Clinton and new access points for the Empire State Trail in Herkimer County. Other grants focus on multi-use paths and pedestrian-friendly street designs in Boonville and Northville to improve community walkability.

October 14, 2026: Announcement of funding awards for Mohawk Valley projects.

Health Landscape

This funding aligns with the ongoing expansion of the Empire State Trail, which continues to integrate disconnected municipal paths into a cohesive network. Strengthening these connections is a key factor in improving long-term population-level physical activity rates across the state.

Access to local, well-maintained trails is a primary driver for consistent physical activity habits. Keep an eye on local government announcements regarding the specific project timelines in Boonville, Northville, Clinton, and Herkimer County to see when new infrastructure becomes available for use.

The takeaway

Reliable outdoor infrastructure makes it easier to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Consider visiting your town's planning office website or attending upcoming village board meetings to track when new local trail improvements in your area will be open for public use.