Section 44-0121. Greenway trail

1.  The  conservancy  shall  designate  and  develop  or  cause  to be
  developed a  trail  or  pathway  system  consistent  with  the  greenway
  criteria  connecting the city of New York from the southernmost boundary
  of the area designated as the greenway to the Erie canal lock  two  park
  in  the  town  of  Waterford,  Saratoga county to be known as the Hudson
  river valley greenway trail. To  the  fullest  extent  practicable,  the
  trail shall:
    a.  be located with direct physical or, if not physical, visual access
  to the Hudson river;
    b. be planned for both sides of the Hudson river;
    c. have segments that can be restricted to non-motorized use;
    d.  utilize  existing  heritage  trails,  bikeways,  scenic  highways,
  railroad  rights  of  way and esplanades and make connections with other
  trails including trails along tributaries of the Hudson river;
    e. highlight  and  link  existing  parks,  urban  cultural  parks  and
  historic sites;
    f.  provide  for  interpretive signage and opportunities to experience
  the unique natural and cultural heritage of the valley;
    g. reflect the natural and cultural diversity;
    h. involve state and local agencies and private organizations  in  the
  planning, development and maintenance of the trail of the greenway;
    i.   use  the  services  of  local  school  districts  and  the  youth
  conservation corps to participate in trail development and maintenance;
    j. have segment management plans prepared  for  each  segment  of  the
  trail to assure uniform maintenance and upkeep; and
    k.  have  connections  to  pathways  that  highlight the character and
  resources of the countryside communities.
    2. The greenway trail to the extent practicable shall be completed  on
  or  before  June first, two thousand five; provided that the conservancy
  shall submit a plan for the trail to the governor and legislature within
  twenty-four months of the effective date of this section  and  shall  to
  the  extent  practicable  dedicate  and open significant sections of the
  trail on or before June first, two  thousand.  Planning  for  the  trail
  shall  commence with the council and the conservancy sponsoring a Hudson
  river valley greenway trail symposium to prepare a plan  of  action  for
  the  planning  and  development  of  the trail. Representatives of local
  governments  in  the  greenway,  interested   nonprofit   organizations,
  representatives  of  the  state  and  federal  government,  planners and
  landscape architects along with any other interested  parties  shall  be
  invited to participate in the symposium.
    3.  The  department  and  the office of parks, recreation and historic
  preservation, the department of transportation and the office of general
  services are hereby authorized and directed to support and assist in the
  planning and development of the trail.