The Oneonta Daily Star reported on September 19, 2006, that the Department of Transportation has agreed to accommodate a two mile section of the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway between Interstate 88 and the Susquehanna River.

The city would need to sign a right of way agreement with the DOT to finalize public use for the state property between Exits 13 and 14. The portion of Greenway being made possible by the state will run along the interstate from state Route 205 in the West End to Lower Main Street.

Fourth Ward Alderman Keith Bott, liaison to the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway Committee, said having a link between existing portions of the Greenway trail is crucial to the overall development of the path.

"They have in writing acknowledged to the city they would be moving the guardrails," Bott said. In addition to moving guardrails, a fence would need to be constructed to ensure children and pets can't stray onto the interstate, the DOT's John Pioch said.

"The work could begin as early as next year during a major DOT construction project on I-88," Bott said.

The trail will start at the fishing access east of Route 205 at Exit 13 and proceed eastward, following the Susquehanna River closely to Exit 14. The trail will be between I-88 and the river. At Exit 14 the trail will go under the Main Street bridge and join with the sidewalk. Future construction will join the current Greenway trail to the new section, making one continuous four mile trail.

The trail is now planned as a handicapped accessible, hard surfaced, multi-purposed path for runners, hikers, bikers, stroller and wheelchair users.

There is to be a fence between the trail and I-88

The Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway encourages individuals and groups to donate to the Greenway.

The Greenway has recently affiliated with OCCA (Otsego County Conservation Association) in Cooperstown. OCCA has generously offered to hold donations to the Greenway in a special Greenway fund. Therefore, any donations may be sent to OCCA, P.O. Box 931, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Both of these organizations are non-profits and so may solicit private funds under the rules for tax exempt organizations. Any donations to the Greenway can be claimed for tax exemptions.

The Greenway has received a major state grant to expand the existing two mile trail another two miles toward the city of Oneonta. This is very exciting. There will be a two mile paved trail for hikers, bikers, inline skaters, wheelchairs and strollers, following the beautiful Susquehanna River.

There are, however, many projects that are not covered by this grant. The new section of the trail would benefit from benches, educational markers, a kiosk with maps and a trail registry box. There is an ongoing educational program for area schools that would benefit from donations. In short, any donations to the Greenway would be put to immediate use. Every cent would go directly to these projects.

The City of Oneonta has given wonderful support to the Greenway. Also, over 50 generous individual donors and many organizations have contributed to the Greenway. Below is a list of organizations that have donated money in the past. Another list names the groups that have donated volunteer labor to the Greenway.

The Greenway would be happy to add your name or the name of your organization to this list. If you wish to donate and remain anonymous, we would respect that wish.