La Chute River Trail Extension reaches completion

TICONDEROGA | In 2016, planning began to tackle the La Chute River Trail Extension. The trail would connect the lower and upper trail systems in Ticonderoga, offering expanded accessibility and new opportunities for tourism and recreation in the region. Nine years later, that ambition was finally seen to reach fruition as the blue satin ribbon was officially cut on Wednesday, Sept. 24. "This project has been years in the making, and represents a long-standing vision for enhancing the community's riverfront area," said Ticonderoga Area Chamber (TACC) of Commerce President and CEO Matt Courtright. The achievement was made possible by New York State Department of State funding through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. "The La Chute River Trail Extension is a great example of how State and local partnerships can bring long-standing community visions to life," said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. "This new, ADA-compliant trail segment improves connectivity and strengthens the community's connection to its rich history and natural beauty." Town Supervisor Mark Wright noted that all good things take time and perseverance, and that in Ti, the revitalization elephant is eaten one bite at a time. He noted the path was designed and constructed in a manner to preserve existing trees, while respecting and working within the existing natural environment. "When one walks along this trail, they do so in the shadow and along the footprint of Ticonderoga's vast industrial complex, which once operated along Ticonderoga Creek, now La Chute River," he noted. "The view of what was once Lord Howe Lake is today active with various wildlife and gently moving waters, which provide a sense of calm in our busy lives. What was once a dense, impassable thicket of trees and heavy brush and an insurmountable climb is now a beautifully designed and leisurely path to the top of the trai,l which provides outstanding vistas." Parks and Recreation head and town board member, Joyce Cooper, expressed her delight of the trail's completion. "Construction of this extension was made possible through partnerships and is the product of cooperative efforts," she said. "This extension will now allow safe access to the Upper Falls area, an area of great importance in Ticonderoga's industrial history. I appreciate the hard work of everyone involved in this project. Cooper added that residents, in addition to enjoying the trail's natural beauty, will now have the opportunity to gain an understanding and appreciation of the La Chute River's significance to the town's vast industrial history. Additional thanks were given to the Essex County Office of Community Resources, Essex County Department of Public Works, TACC, North Country Rural Development Coalition, the Ticonderoga Town Board, Ticonderoga Highway Department, MJ Engineering & Land Surveying, Reale Construction, and those who provided letters of support for the project grant.

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La Chute River Trail Extension reaches completion

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