Zim Smith Trail extension eyed

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to spend $180,000 toward a right of way that would extend the Zim Smith Trail to Mechanicville.

The money will come from a capital account set aside for the trail. Supervisor Anita Daly, R-Clifton Park, suggested applying to the Capital Region Economic Development Council for money.

The 3-mile extension would cross about a dozen parcels of privately owned land, including wetlands and one stream crossing. This vote gives supervisors the go-ahead to begin approaching landowners for permission to construct a trail on their land, said county Planning Director Jason Kemper.

The project also includes the utility company New York Electric and Gas, which is looking to install a transmission line in the same location. “Once we secure the right of way, NYSEG will pitch in with clearing the land for the trail, using in-kind services,” Kemper said.

The 9-mile trail was named for Zimri Luce Smith, a retired Air Force colonel who worked for historic preservation in Saratoga Springs. It has been incrementally extended and improved for 10 years. The trail runs from Oak Street in Ballston Spa to Coon’s Crossing in Halfmoon. Federal grant money has paid for about 80 percent of the project. An extension to Mechanicville will carry users to the Champlain Canalway via city streets.

Article source: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Zim-Smith-Trail-extension-eyed-2226033.php