NEWS RELEASE
June 16, 2025
ELMIRA-CHEMUNG TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL TO HOST INFORMATION MEETING TO UPDATE THE PUBLIC ON THE CHEMUNG CANAL CONNECTOR TRAIL PROJECT
Open House Scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 from 5-7 pm at Village of Elmira Heights Village Hall
The Elmira Chemung Transportation Council (ECTC) will host a public information meeting on Tuesday, June 17, to provide updates on the proposed 8-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail that would connect the existing Lackawanna Rail Trail in the City of Elmira with the Catharine Valley Trail at Huck Finn Road in the Town of Veteran. The informal, open-house style meeting will be held from 5 to 7 pm at the Village of Elmira Heights, Village Hall, 215 Elmwood Avenue, Elmira Heights.
ECTC previously held a public meeting for the project in June 2023 during an initial project feasibility study. The feasibility study (available online) identified a preferred route for the trail along the historic Chemung Canal and railroad corridor taking into consideration public input and engineering constraints. Building on the feasibility study, ECTC is now conducting preliminary engineering studies to further develop the details of the project design, including the trail route, bridges, trailheads, roadway crossings, and landscaping, among other details. ECTC is also conducting environmental studies for the project per the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Attendees will be able to view preliminary project plans, provide comments, and speak to ECTC representatives who will be able to answer individual questions and concerns.
The Chemung Canal Connector Trail Project is proposed to close the 8-mile gap between Catharine Valley Trail and the Lackawanna Rail Trail, thereby creating a 29 -mile continuous trail corridor. This new larger regional trail corridor will enhance tourism and related economic opportunities, as well as improve mobility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists along the trail route. The project will be built in phases and the first phase (Eldridge Park to I-86) is slated to begin construction in summer 2026.
For further information, to submit written comments regarding this project or to request a sign language interpreter or assisted listening system or other accommodation at the meeting, please contact Michael Perry at mperry@chemungcountyny.gov or call (607) 737-5510.
About the Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council:
As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Elmira area, ECTC’s mission is to help build regional agreement on transportation investments and to balance highway, mass transit, and other needs, leading to equitable and cost-effective transportation outcomes. ECTC is responsible for the planning and programming of any transportation project that includes Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. www.ElmiraMPO.org
Christopher J. Moss
Chemung County Executive