BILL NUMBER: S1467
SPONSOR: SERRANO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to establishing standards for trail closures on the Empire
state trail
 
PURPOSE:
To direct the office of parks, recreation and historical preservation to
coordinate with an owner of a portions of the Empire State Trail that is
temporarily closed to establish a signed detour and to post notice on
the office's website.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the parks, recreation and historic preservation law by
adding a new section 3.27.
Section 3.27a. Establishes that the owner of a portion of the Empire
State Trail shall keep such trail open when practicable.
Section 3.27b. Requires OPRHP to coordinate with the owner of a portion
of the Empire State Trail that shall be closed to plan a detour route,
and to post appropriate signage.
Section 3.27c. Requires the commissioner to post the notice received
pursuant to section 2b on the office's website.
Section 3. Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Empire State Trail, established in 2017, is the longest single-
state, multi-use trail in the nation. The trail is utilized by nearly 10
million people each year, including many bicycle tourists who travel to
New York specifically to experience the Empire State Trait. These tour-
ists patronize lodging, dining, and retail businesses along the trail.
Ensuring that the trail is reliable and safe benefits local businesses
and New Yorkers who rely on the trait for transportation and recreation.
At times, sections of the trail must be closed due to construction or
unsafe conditions. However, there is currently no requirement to estab-
lish a safe, marked alternate route to divert travelers around the
closed portion. The lack of a signed detour leaves travelers without
guidance on how to resume use of the trail, causing confusion and poten-
tial safety issues.
This legislation would require the establishment of a safe, marked
detour for travelers to utilize in the event of a trail closure. The
owner of the closed portion of the trail would be required to notify the
office of parks, recreation and historical preservation of the upcoming
closure. OPRHP shall, in collaboration with the owner, plan a detour
route, and post signage to direct trait users. The office must supply
the signage and post notice of the detour on its website for the conven-
ience of trait users. This would ensure that trait users can bypass
closed sections and reconnect with the trail as safely and efficiently
as possible.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S. 7807-A - Passed Senate. Passed Assembly. Delivered to
Governor. Vetoed Memo.103
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:ò
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 160 days after it shall have become a law.