Missing bridges over Muskrat Creek in Cayuga County have prevented use of a seven mile trail connecting the town of Brutus to the town of Cato.

But with a $180,000 federal grant recently awarded to the county, Parks and Trails Director Gary Duckett is anxious to begin work on the trail as soon as possible.

“I hope to begin work as soon as I hear back from the state,” Duckett said.

The state will oversee the progression of the project and is currently working with the federal government hammering out final project details.

Duckett plans to construct two bridges over Muskrat Creek along the trail and replace a third worn bridge making it operational again. He also plans to conduct major brush removal along the trail as well as some reconstruction of the trail surface.

The trail will follow the abandoned rail line from the Lehigh Valley Railroad, providing multi-modal transportation access to remote fishing sites along Muskrat Creek and Parker Pond and to the planned CIViC Heritage History Center, according to the project summary.

The trail will connect the state Canalway Trail to the Cato-Fair Haven trail and the Seaway Trail in the northern part of the county.

“It would be a great diversion for users of the state Canalway Trail as it would give them a north/south route to Fair Haven and Lake Ontario right here in Cayuga County,” Duckett said.

Duckett complimented the work of the county Planning Department for writing the proposal and putting the project package together.

“A lot of people are going to be using the state Canalway system. This trail will allow canal users to go north or south,” Duckett said. “Our trail will be an enhanced trail experience for these users that is more rustic and perhaps more challenging.”

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net