U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have announced $3.9 million in federal funding to develop the CNY Peace Trail, a 170-mile bike and walking path spanning Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, and Oswego counties. This significant investment, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is aimed at enhancing tourism, promoting outdoor activities, and connecting communities across the region to the Empire State Trail.
The Peace Trail project will link rural villages, small towns, and urban hubs, including Syracuse-Hancock International Airport and the Syracuse Regional Transportation Center. For Cayuga County, the trail is expected to boost tourism by providing greater access to the area’s scenic landscapes, including glacial lakes, waterfalls, and historic architecture.
Senator Schumer highlighted the economic and health benefits of the initiative. “Bike paths and trails are a magnet for tourism and help keep our community healthy and connected,” he said. “This will boost local economies from Oswego to Auburn, connect rural villages to major transportation hubs, and make Upstate NY’s beautiful natural landscapes more accessible to all.”
The grant funding, awarded under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, will support construction-ready plans for 57 miles of the trail, targeting areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities. David Bottar, Executive Director of the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, praised the funding as a transformative step for the region’s transportation infrastructure.
Beyond its tourism appeal, the Peace Trail is expected to encourage healthy lifestyles, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Senator Gillibrand noted, “Bicycle infrastructure improves safety, promotes tourism, and results in cleaner air. Construction of the Peace Trail is a much-needed endeavor that will boost quality of life for residents of Central New York.”
The project aligns with the broader goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated $7.5 billion over five years to the RAISE program. With enhanced connectivity and improved transportation infrastructure, Cayuga County and its neighbors are poised to become premier destinations for cycling and outdoor recreation in Upstate New York.
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