County to Receive over $1.57 Million in Funding for Pathway Enhancement Projects

ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo Wednesday announced the award of approximately $67 million in funding for 63 bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation enhancement projects across New York, with two located in Chautauqua County.

Under the funding announcement, the planned “Lucy Trail” connecting Jamestown to Celoron along Jones & Gifford Ave. would receive $965,200. Once completed, the trail would also serve as a connector to the city’s other Riverwalk projects. In addition, Section 4 of the Mayville Lakeside Pedestrian and Bike Path would receive $611,200.

According to the governor’s office, all the projects throughout the state will encourage tourism and economic development opportunities. The projects include the addition of accessible sidewalks, improved pedestrian access to public transportation services, construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the preservation and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use.

“We are modernizing New York State’s transportation system while making it safer,” Governor Cuomo said. “From building new facilities for bicycles and pedestrians to supporting historic highway programs, these projects will provide new tourism and recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors. We will continue to upgrade New York’s infrastructure to expand tourism and economic development while improving our communities.”

The funds are made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and are administered by NYSDOT. The funds cover 80 percent of the cost of each project, with the remaining 20 percent coming from the project sponsor.

The projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated on established criteria that included environmental enhancement to and for the transportation system; connectivity to an existing transportation system; encouragement of smart growth; impact on local or regional economies; availability of matching funds; and level of community support. A full list of the projects is below.