1. The conservancy shall designate and develop or cause to be developed a trail or pathway system consistent with the greenway criteria connecting the city of New York from the southernmost boundary of the area designated as the greenway to the Erie canal lock two park in the town of Waterford, Saratoga county to be known as the Hudson river valley greenway trail. To the fullest extent practicable, the trail shall:

a. be located with direct physical or, if not physical, visual access to the Hudson river;

b. be planned for both sides of the Hudson river;

c. have segments that can be restricted to non-motorized use;

d. utilize existing heritage trails, bikeways, scenic highways, railroad rights of way and esplanades and make connections with other trails including trails along tributaries of the Hudson river;

e. highlight and link existing parks, urban cultural parks and historic sites;

f. provide for interpretive signage and opportunities to experience the unique natural and cultural heritage of the valley;

g. reflect the natural and cultural diversity;

h. involve state and local agencies and private organizations in the planning, development and maintenance of the trail of the greenway;

i. use the services of local school districts and the youth conservation corps to participate in trail development and maintenance;

j. have segment management plans prepared for each segment of the trail to assure uniform maintenance and upkeep; and

k. have connections to pathways that highlight the character and resources of the countryside communities.

2. The greenway trail to the extent practicable shall be completed on or before June first, two thousand five; provided that the conservancy shall submit a plan for the trail to the governor and legislature within twenty-four months of the effective date of this section and shall to the extent practicable dedicate and open significant sections of the trail on or before June first, two thousand. Planning for the trail shall commence with the council and the conservancy sponsoring a Hudson river valley greenway trail symposium to prepare a plan of action for the planning and development of the trail. Representatives of local governments in the greenway, interested nonprofit organizations, representatives of the state and federal government, planners and landscape architects along with any other interested parties shall be invited to participate in the symposium.

3. The department and the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation, the department of transportation and the office of general services are hereby authorized and directed to support and assist in the planning and development of the trail.