Rails to Trails receives Grant Money - Special-E-Fects

"Rails to Trails receives Grant Money" from the Friday, April 21, 2000 issue of the Special-E-Fects

Nearly $1.5 Million Grant Awarded for Southern Tier Recreational Trail Project.

Lt. Governor Mary O. Donohue announced that TEA-21 funding was approved for a 12.13 mile recreational trail to be created on the abandoned rail road bed that runs from the Salamanca City line to the Village of Cattaraugus in the amount of nearly 1.5 million dollars. This is the largest grant of its type ever to be received in Cattaraugus County.

The rail bed, now known as the Iroquois Recreational Trail, will be used throughout the year by bicyclists, naturalist and bird watchers, hikers, horseback riders, snowmobilers and anyone else that wants commune with nature. Motorized vehicles, trail bikes, motorcycles and all other terrain vehicles will be prohibited on the trail.

Brad Walters, Chairman of the Southern Tier Association for Rails to Trails (S.T.A.R.T.), which is the steering committee for the recreational trail project stated, "This is a tremendous financial endorsement and vote of confidence in the development of this project. We have been working diligently to created this trail for over a year and this grant will assure its completion in a timely and efficient manner. The Village of Little Valley was the sponsor for the grant and the Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation (CLDC) was the applicant. Tammy Buchhardt, Village Clerk and Rick LeFeber, Executive Director of the CLDC co-wrote the grant and should be commended for their work, "Walters added.

Rick LeFeber, when asked to comment on the project said, "The village of Little Valley, Mayor Bonnie Bigelow and Tammy Buchhardt made this possible. Trail project in out communities have suffered because they could not get a municipality to step forward and sponsor them. Little Valley's spirit, commitment and efforts set the stage for successfully receiving this grant."

The IDA is in the process of transferring the rail road bed to the CLDC. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Saturday, May 20th at 12:30pm at the end of Main Street in the Village of Little Valley. The area at the end of Main Street will be starting point for future construction. A Friendship arch is to be erected along with a pavilion rest rooms and a picnic area. The trail, from Route 353 south of the Village to Route 353 north of the Village is to be black topped.

Tim Jackson, Director for the CLDC stated, "The rapid accomplishments of the people involved on this project plus the financial support from both the NYS Department of Transportation and funding under the Recreational Trails Program speaks well of what can be accomplished when we all work together for our communities best interests. Senator Pat McGee and Assemblywoman Cathy Young vigorously supported this project and have been extremely instrumental in attaining this funding for the region. We would like to thank them for their support.

Senator Pat McGee stated, "By enhancing existing resources, we're making a commitment to the people of the Southern Tier and its tourism industry. From biking to bird watching , our tourist and residents will have an even greater opportunity to enjoy the outdoor recreation already known thought the area."

"The success that this project is currently enjoying and will continue to experience," said Rick LeFeber, "is the direct result of a grass roots consensus and the belief that existing resources can be reused to create new opportunities and benefits to our region. Commitment, common sense, involvement and determination by local residents, organizations and governmental agencies made this all possible, " Continued Rick LeFeber.

Meetings for S.T.A.R.T. are held the first and third Wednesday of the month at 303 Main Street (the old Gramco building) in Little Valley at 7pm. All are welcome to attend and contribute.