Fulton Scenic Byway Proposal Pitched a Town at a Time

WEST FULTON — The December Town of Fulton meeting was preceded by the town's annual Christmas offering of food and refreshments. Upwards of 22 community members gathered to celebrate and to continue business as usual in hearing proposals and complaints as well as honoring a community member for their service.

The late James (Jim) Morgan was honored in a tribute from a fellow firefighter who spoke at length about his selflessness and loyalty to the community. As an associate member of the West Fulton Fire Department and Councilman for the Town of Fulton for 12 years Morgan was committed to community involvement. He was also an experienced and decorated police officer who worked his way up the ranks to become the Yorktown Chief of Police, with 34 years of service.

Former Middleburgh Village Trustee Bill Morton pitched a proposal for the designation of Route 30 as the Schoharie Valley Scenic Byway, a component of a regional initiative comprising Mongomery, Schoharie, and Delaware Counties. The proposed byway, which would include a cycling trail, would begin in Fultonville in Montgomery County and extend south for a distance of 20 miles along NYS Route 30A to its intersection with Route 30 in the town of Schoharie in Schoharie County. From there the byway would extend for 93 miles along Route 30 to NYS Route 17 where it would terminate in the town of Colchester in Delaware County.

Morton cited the abundance of outstanding scenery along the Route 30 corridor which he noted as second to none and went on to explain the positive effects that such a designation could have on local commerce as well as the possibility of greater access to federal and state resources for infrastructure initiatives such as road maintenance along the corridor. He also pointed out that such a designation in no way affects the rights of property owners and that local businesses would have the opportunity to benefit from greater exposure and visibility with their inclusion-related websites and online guides.

The New York State Scenic Byway, administered by the State DOT is guided by the Scenic Byway Advisory Board. There are currently 26 scenic byways in New York State, comprising more than 2000 miles of roadways. According to Morton, the potential merits of the byway program include economic benefits through the promotion of tourism, improved traveler and community services, broadened appreciation for the State’s historic and natural resources, improved management of resources to accommodate visitors, more careful stewardship of the byway corridor as well as access to grants to develop the byway corridor.

Morton is seeking the approval of the towns before he can take the next steps in obtaining county approval. He pointed out that the process is years long and just in the beginning stages with nothing being written in stone. He urged council and community members to look over the details of the proposal and consider getting involved.

The second half of the meeting was a mix of the usual and high emotions when the floor was opened to the community. As part of our commitment to coverage of Fulton town meetings, there will be an addendum to this article in the next issue.