ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Several towns in Tompkins County have reached an agreement with NYSEG to build on a popular trail.

The South Hill Recreation Way will be extended by around 8 miles after Ithaca, Dryden, Caroline, and Danby successfully negotiated with NYSEG to utilize the former Owego & Ithaca railroad bed property, which NYSEG owns. Once finished, the trail will go all the way to the Tioga County border.

“Studies consistently show that turning old rail beds into recreation and commuter trails connect communities, promotes recreation, and increases tourism,” said Dryden Town Supervisor Jason Leifer. “Rail trails improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Town of Ithaca officials say this has been a work in progress for more than 15 years.

“This represents a great example of inter-municipal collaboration that has multiple positive impacts,” said Ithaca Town Supervisor Rod Howe.

The municipal partners were assisted by Design Connect, a student-run design and planning organization at Cornell, who helped examine the trail and recommend what needed to be done to bring up to its full use. Each municipality will consider adopting a recreational easement with NYSEG after public hearings.

The group will then apply for grants to do an engineering study, trail design, and construction. The first two legs of the trail extension will be from Burns Road to German Cross Road, and German Cross Road to Banks Road.

“The partners believe that the first two legs of the trail extension can be developed at minimal expense and relatively quickly,” said Danby Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon. “Other legs will follow as funding allows, but this agreement with NYSEG is a hugely positive step forward.”