Roger Hannigan Gilson is reporting in the Register-Star U.S. Senator Charles Schumer pledged his support this week for a federal grant to connect sections of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. The trail is a walking and cycling path that stretches from Wassaic in Dutchess County to Hillsdale. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association and Dutchess County have applied for a $7.5-million of U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER grants for the project. The grant would allow the completion of the trail between Millerton and Ancram, and create a tunnel crossing of Route 22, plus allow for the construction of three pedestrian bridges, connecting the Copake and Hillsdale sections of the trail. Garrick Dardani, the owner of Steiner’s Sports said many people are looking to cycle on trails instead of roads. The Copake Falls section of the trail is already popular, Dardani said. He said connecting the parts of the rail trail would be a boon for cycling and “absolutely” be good for his business. Read the full story in the Register-Star.