A new branch of the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail is now under construction in Steuben County. A ground-breaking ceremony was held in Addison Saturday. Organizers say the trail will benefit the local economy.

When builders came to the home of landowner Paula Todd to ask for permission to blaze a new hiking trail across her property, she says she realized the trail's potential.

“I thought it would be a very nice idea. I had heard about other trails and I thought it would be nice to connect my property with what is going on in New York State,” says Paula Todd of Addison.

Builders have begun constructing this new hiking trail in Addison. The new trail will run from the New York Pennsylvania border to South Bradford, and will connect with the Finger Lakes Trail. Builders say it will open doors to the community and people across the country.

“People can jump onto the trail wherever they live and they can hike long distances,” says organizer David Marsh. “But also people who just want to do day hikes can go virtually in their own backyard.”

Volunteers working on the trail hope to get the community exploring the region, especially young people.

“There's a lot of kids today that have just grown up watching television, playing video games. This gives them a real opportunity to get out and see nature,” says Organizer Ron Mavik.

It’s the possible local economic impact that has many community members on board.

“I think it'll bring people to stay over and hike to certain sections. And we have a nice little community, nice places to eat,” says Todd.

“I think that if people can find the trail, they will be here,” says Pat Monahan, the Project Manager.

Organizers hope to get the word out to as many people as they can. They say tourists and nature lovers will give the local economy a boost.

“We need people to know about this because it's a fantastic asset for people in New York state, tourists, and commercial enterprises that exist here,” says David Marsh.

Organizers say twelve miles of the trail should be complete by the end of this year.