BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS, The Daily Gazette

SCHENECTADY COUNTY — The state has awarded $2.9 million in funding for projects in Rotterdam Junction and Scotia that will create new bicycle/pedestrian links to the Mohawk-Hudson Recreation Trail.

There was a $2.2 million award for work to improve pedestrian and bike safety along state Route 5S in Rotterdam Junction, while $713,000 was awarded for construction of a new path along Washington Avenue in the village of Scotia, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office.

The Rotterdam and Scotia projects were included in $27 million in funding announced statewide, using federal transportation money administered by the state.

In Rotterdam Junction, the proposed project will actually cost an estimated $2.7 million, with the state grant paying $2.2 million and the town contributing a little over $500,000, based on cost estimates.It was discussed at a public meeting last summer.

Town officials see the work as helping the hamlet capitalize on development of the Empire State Trail, a statewide bike trail network. Part of that $200 million trail includes closing long-standing gaps in the Mohawk-Hudson Trail in the Rotterdam Junction area.

Rotterdam Town Supervisor Steven A. Tommasone said the project will help the hamlet take advantage of the state’s focus on the Empire State Trail and increasing bike tourism.

To view the complete article on the Daily Gazette website, click here.