The Post-Journal

Saturday, April 15, 2000

State OKs Money for Trail

By Sharon Turano

     SALAMANCA - The state will contribute nearly $1.5 million to help convert 12 miles of abandoned rail bed into a multiuse bike and pedestrian trail in the village of Little Valley.

     The Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board was told Friday the state was kicking in the money for the project. The announcement of the funding was made by Lt. Governor Mary O. Donohue. 

     "This project will help the village and Cattaraugus County provide residents with the opportunity to enhance the region's tourism as well as its outdoor recreational activities," Mrs. Donohue said.

      The trail extends from the city of Salamanca to the village of Cattaraugus and will create a trail system linking the Allegheny National Forest, Allegany State Park, North Country National Scenic Trail, Finger Lakes Trail and Genesee Valley Greenway.

     Rick LeFeber of the Cattaraugus Local Development Corp., which is heading up the project, could not be reached to comment on when the project will start.

     In other news, the STW board:

• Supported a Chautauqua County Legislature resolution asking the state Transportation Department to name the proposed Bemus Point rest area on Interstate 86 as the Chautauqua Lake rest stop.
• Agreed to become a partner with the state Energy Research and Development Authority to promote outreach of state energy programs.
• Learned a $2.8 million state grant for technology programs was increased to $3.2 million. The grant was increased when another applicant dropped out of the program. The money will be used in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties to provide high-speed access to the Internet and videoconferencing.