Regional bicycle, pedestrian trail projects awarded funding

Elmira, N.Y., October 30—Several bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation projects across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions will receive a total of more than $3 million in federal transportation aid, according to State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats).

The awards were announced earlier this week in Albany as part of a package of more than $70 million in statewide project awards. 

O'Mara said that projects in Chemung, Steuben, Tompkins and Yates counties in his 58th Senate District will receive funding.

"These are bike- and pedestrian-friendly projects across the region that will complement ongoing efforts to boost tourism opportunities and strengthen local economies," said O'Mara, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee."It's valuable federal support to help many localities showcase their attractions to residents and visitors."

Congressman Tom Reed said, "The Southern Tier is home to some of the most beautiful parks and lakes in the country. Not only will these bike paths create jobs, through new transportation projects, they will also promote biking and walking through scenic Western New York and the Finger Lakes."

[Read more in The Leader]

The projects are funded by by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and administered by the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Funding covers up to 80 percent of a project's cost with the project's sponsor providing the remaining share. The projects were chosen through a competitive solicitation and selection process

According to state officials, selected projects fall into one or more of the following categories: on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation; infrastructure-related projects and systems that provide safe routes for non-drivers to access daily needs; use of abandoned railroad corridors for surface-transportation related trails; scenic byway turnouts and viewing areas; safe routes to school; construction of boulevards and complete streets thoroughfares; and storm water management related to highway runoff.

Funding is being provided to the following area projects:

> Chemung County, Lackawanna Rail Trail Phase II, $450,003;

> City of Corning, Bridge Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Enhancement Project, $362,880;

> City of Hornell, Shawmut Park Trail Development, $323,908

> Village of Trumansburg, Pedestrian Commuting, $811,395;

> City of Ithaca, Cascadilla Creekway Project, $600,000; and

> Village of Penn Yan, Outlet Trail improvements, $502,800.