Yesterday was a good news day for tourism, not only in Oneida County but the entire Mohawk Valley.
Oneida Nation Enterprises officially opened The Cove, a vacation rental destination at Sylvan Beach, featuring 70 contemporary and beautifully appointed two- and three-bedroom cottages, with extensive amenities, on Oneida Lake.
The $35 million project not only has housing but a personal pontoon boat for each rental.
In another announcement, there was news that will appeal to those who enjoy hiking and biking.
The Mohawk River Trail will be extended thanks to $3,576,000 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) award funding through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the state Department of Transportation.
Both projects will bolster our region’s economic strength and attractions. Sylvan Beach and the surrounding area will be a location that visitors want to return to.
Pontoon boats, dedicated boat slips, personal fire-pits and gas grills, in-cottage kitchens and other essentials are among the features.
Inside the cottages are full kitchens in addition to creature comforts such as built-in bunk beds with privacy curtains.
At the Tuesday ceremony held at the 750 Pioneer Ave. location, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter was joined by state Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-47, Rome; Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.; Richard Sullivan, mayor of Sylvan Beach; and Brian Cohan, principle of Benchmark Development.
In Rome, Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo said the trail award is significant because it will fund completion of one of the last legs of the Mohawk River Trail to the Rome Fish Hatchery and Golf Course Road.
The $3.576 million will allow Rome to construct “2.5 additional miles on the multi-use, recreational trail connecting to the existing Black River Trail,” said Izzo.
Right now Phase 2 of the project is under construction, which will extend the trail from East Chestnut Street to Wright Settlement Road. Once the second phase is complete, it will allow pedestrians and bikers to travel on the Greenway and Erie Canalway system, all the way to Delta Dam, the mayor said.
These two projects will spotlight our area for promoting environmentally popular modes of travel and make it easier and safer to cruise, walk, bike or hike.
