The Onondaga County Empire State Trail Local Economic Opportunities Plan
Building off the success of the recently completed Empire State Trail (EST), and with funding and leadership of County Executive Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County has just released the Onondaga County Empire State Trail Local Economic Opportunities Plan. With over 8.6 million users and an anticipated $274 economic impact annually, the Empire State Trail presents a unique tourism opportunity to attract new users to our trailside communities. The plan identifies key corridors across the County where improved bike and pedestrian amenities can connect the new statewide trail users to our downtowns and Main Streets. Improvements such as bike lanes, trail segments, bike racks, and wayfinding signage will help users connect to lodging, restrooms, shops and restaurants.
This plan is viewed as just the beginning, with more detailed work to come to refine and implement these ideas, involving funding agencies, road owners and municipalities. Residents and local leaders are encouraged to review plan recommendations for the 18 “Opportunity Areas” across the County, and contact the Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency or your municipal officials with your ideas. SOCPA thanks the SMTC and the CNY Regional Planning & Development Board (CNY RPDB), who assisted in the plan development, outreach and graphics for the Opportunities Plan.
