Southern Tier Association for Rails-to-Trails and CLDC Receive NYS Recreational Trails Grant - County Chronicle

"Southern Tier Association for Rails-to-Trails and CLDC Receive NYS Recreational Trails Grant" from the Saturday, February 26th, 2000 issue of the County Chronicle

The Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation (CLDC) received confirmation from Bernadette Castro, Commissioner, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, that a $59,500 grant had been awarded as part of the National Recreational Trails Program, to be utilized by S.T.A.R.T. (Southern Tier Association for Rails-to-Trails).

In a news release by Governor Pataki he stated, "New York has an excellent network of more than 16,000 miles of trails which provide access to some of America's most spectacular scenery. These grants will expand and enhance this outstanding network while providing more recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers."

"Whether through biking, snowmobiling, biking, cross country skiing or horseback riding, people of all ages and abilities can experience and enjoy the wealth of natural resources New York State has to offer," the governor said.

The grant will be administered by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Mike Miecznikowski, Regional Grant Representative, from Allegany State Park stated, "This grant is the only one awarded in the 3 counties of the southern tier! We know that this will be an excellent project."

The CLDC is finalizing ownership of a 12.14 mile 147 acre abandoned railroad bed corridor currently owned by the Cattaraugus County IDA (CCIDA). The property runs from the Salamanca City Line to the edge of the Village of Cattaraugus. This grant money is specifically targeted for the new development of .25 mile portion of the trail at the foot of Main Street in Little Valley. It will be a rest area and park with a Gazebo, picnic tables, a self contained rest room, renovation of a turn of the century caboose, construction of a building for horses and snowmobiles and purchase of various trail maintenance equipment.

Tammy Buchhardt, Village Clerk of Little Valley who co-wrote the grant, commented "This grant assures a beautiful 'gateway' into the trail at Little Valley".

"We want to publicly say 'Thank You' to everyone involved: Governor Pataki, Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro, Mike Miecznikowski, Pat McGee, Cathy Young, county legislatures, mayor Bonnie Bigelow, and the 100's of people that have been a part of helping to garner this grant!" stated Rick LeFeber, Executive Director of the CLDC.

"This is very important to the regions revival and all the projects that we have under way in Little Valley. It is the icing on the cake in regards to the Randall Arendt Program and green space for an industrial development site." said Brad Walters, Chairman of START and the Little Valley Revitalization and Economic Development (LVRED) committee.

In addition the Village of Little Valley has sponsored the CLDC as the applicant for a TEA-21 Grant for $1,300,000 to complete the entire 12 miles of trail. That application was reviewed by the Buffalo Office of NYSDOT last year and has been forwarded to Albany for final determination as a possible recipient. Amo Houghton, Pat McGee and Cathy Young have been championing the TEA-21 Grant.

The CLDC is a not for Profit 501 (c) 3 charged with the mission of community and economic development. They are involved in 9 different projects related to that mission and are currently working with over 40 other organizations and municipalities. they meet monthly at 303 Main Street (In the rehabbed GRAMCO building), in Little Valley. START meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7 pm at the same location. Anyone interested in contacting either organization my reach them at 257-3237 or 938-6343.