Nozzolio Announces Epf Grants For Finger Lakes Region

State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) today announced Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for open space, recreation, preservation and waterfront revitalization projects in Tompkins, Cayuga and Seneca counties. Among the awards is a $250,000 grant for the construction of a promenade, fishing areas, and river overlooks along the Owasco River in the City of Auburn, Cayuga County.

Senator Michael F. Nozzolio said, “Preserving the quality of the Finger Lakes and promoting their appeal is the key to expanding our region’s economic potential and creating new opportunities for the future. These grants represent New York’s continued commitment to helping communities enhance the natural resources that are vital for downtown redevelopment and increasing tourism. These projects will attract more visitors to the Finger Lakes region and stimulate greater investment in the local economy.”

The City of Auburn will use $250,000 in grant funding from the EPF - Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), administered through the Department of States Division of Coastal Resources, to construct Phase II of its Kayak and Anglers Park, including a promenade along the northern Owasco River waterfront. Grant funds will also support the rehabilitation of Market Street Park and the construction of river overlooks, fishing areas, and viewing points. These major recreation facilities will support the city’s ongoing revitalization by attracting people to the downtown area and providing water-related recreation to a wide range of users.

Since 1995, the State Environmental Protection Fund has provided nearly $1.3 billion in State assistance for more than 4,700 projects that protect and enhance the quality of New Yorks natural resources. More than $87 million has been invested in EPF grants administered by State Parks to support 745 municipal open space, recreation and historic preservation projects in communities across New York State. The Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources has administered more than $80 million for 775 EPF LWRP grants during that time.

In addition to the grant for Auburn, other awards include:

Tompkins County
Town of Ithaca $40,000
The project will replace three old playground structures in the town of Ithaca neighborhood parks that are all at least 20 years old, contain the chromated copper arsenate wood, and are not ADA compliant. The town will remove the existing structures and replace them with pre-manufactured, modular playgrounds and improve the site with some minor grading, new edging, and wood chips placed around the structures.

Cayuga County
Town of Mentz $66,000
The project will expand the Erie Canal Trail network by providing a waterfront access area on Owasco Lake Outlet via a handicapped-accessible walking tail, as well as upgrading four baseball fields, and refurbishing tennis and basketball courts. Erie Canalway Park is located on the path of the original Erie Canal and is adjacent to a low-income senior residential facility. The multi-purpose trail will connect with the proposed Erie Canal Trail and support ongoing efforts to distinguish Mentz and Port Byron as a quality Erie Canal heritage community.

Seneca County
Friends of Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail, Inc. $35,425
The project will install period lighting along the Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail located in the Seneca Falls Heritage Area. Lights will extend from the entrance of the trail at Bridge Street westward along the south bank of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to Rumsey Street (Veteran’s Bridge), improving law enforcement observation and visitor safety during evening hours.

Tompkins, Cortland, Cayuga & Seneca Counties
Town of Lansing $75,000
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization, sponsored by the Town of Lansing, will undertake a hydroseeding program to decrease exposed soils and sediment loading to the lake, stabilize roads and streambanks, increase awareness among local highway crews, and reduce maintenance costs for small municipalities. Grant funding will cover materials for hydroseeding projects throughout the Cayuga Lake Watershed.