ALBANY COUNTY — For the first time, food and refreshment vendors will be able to sell their products along the nine-mile stretch of the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail through food trucks, carts, or temporary stands.

Requests for proposals are due back on July 10.

“The COVID-19 crisis and economic shutdown have had devastating impacts on our small businesses and hardworking families who continue to struggle to make ends meet ... This particular initiative has the added bonus of actually enhancing the experience for the thousands of Rail Trail users,” said County Executive Daniel McCoy in a press release, announcing the initiative.

A total of six vendors will be selected by lottery for two specifically designated locations at each of the three trailheads in Albany, Slingerlands, and Voorheesville. Six qualified vendors who meet health, insurance and other criteria will be issued permits for one month at a time to ensure as many individual businesses have the opportunity. At the end of each month, six new permits will be issued at random until Oct. 12.

Permits will cost $200 per month for food trucks and $125 per month for carts, tents, and temporary stands. Hours of operation for each business will be limited to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Saturday.

Any vendors with questions, concerns, or comments or those who are interested in submitting a proposal may contact the Albany County Department of General Services Purchasing Division at 518-447-7140. They may also visit the Empire State Bid system website. Proposals may be mailed to the Purchasing Division at 112 State St, Room 1000, Albany, NY 12207.