Rail Line Sale is Approved by Cattaraugus IDA - The Post-Journal

"Rail Line Sale is Approved by Cattaraugus IDA" from the March 17th, 2000 issue of The Post-Journal

By Sharon Turano

ELLICOTTVILLE - Cattaraugus County's Industrial Development Agency on Tuesday approved sale of 12 miles of abandoned rail line for a rails-to-trails project.

The IDA board formally approved the transfer of the line between Salamanca and Cattaraugus that it had owned but from which track was removed in previous years.

The IDA sought ideas last year on what to do with the property, with the Cattaraugus Local Development Corp.'s hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobile and horseback riding trail being chosen as the best use for the land.

The IDA held public meetings on the issue but was waiting for the Department of Transportation and other local governments to decline rights to the rail section before approving the final transaction.

On Tuesday, the IDA finally was able to approve the sale, with IDA Chairman Norm Potter stating, "I think it's a great thing."

IDA Executive Director Norm Leyh said the property will be deeded to the group for a "nominal" price but did not comment further on what the actual price would be.

"I can't thank them enough," said Richard LeFeber, Cattaraugus Local Development Corp. head.

A group he has worked with has been developing plans for the project he said he hopes can be completed by 2001

He said the group has already received a $59,500 grant from the state Parks and Recreation Department which will be used to build two gazebos and picnic benches in Little Valley at the trail head. The money also will be used to help rehabilitate a caboose for the trail entry area and to buy golf carts so handicapped people can use the trail. Maintenance equipment will be purchased, too.

LeFeber said he is awaiting word on a $1.3 million state grant.

Whether the money is awarded to the project, he said, engineering studies will be undertaken on what needs to be done to the trail.

In the meantime, he said, there has been a "cooperative spirit" by all involved to get the trail going.