Senator Gallivan Announces Funding Through Regional Economic Development Council

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) announces several projects in 60th NYS Senate District have been included in the latest round of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.  Awards have been granted through the state funded Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the federally funded Recreational Trails Program (RTP).   

“This funding represents an investment in our regional assets and will enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike,” Senator Gallivan said.  “I applaud the municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and others for working in collaboration to identify these projects, which will promote growth, tourism and economic development.”                                                                              

Projects within the 60th Senate District include:

$100,000 to the Town of Orchard Park to conduct a feasibility study to assess rezoning the area surrounding the new Buffalo Bills Stadium. The town would like to rezone to capitalize on the tourism industry.   

$250,000 to Graycliff Conservancy Inc. to renovate and expand its visitor center to accommodate the increasing level of visitors and enhance the visitor experience.

$80,000 to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County to construct a new facility on farmland in Orchard Park to provide dedicated outdoor agricultural space and programming available to a more diverse population.

$278,800 to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. to assess the structural integrity of the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between the towns of Concord and Ashford and determine a cost estimate for new decking and construction of a trail approaching the bridge.  

$228,000 to Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry to maintain existing trails and construct new accessible trails at Eighteen Mile Creek Conservation Park and Boston Forest Conservation Park.

The grants from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) support seventy-two projects statewide, including park improvements, heritage area enhancements and historic preservation projects. The grants for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) support fifteen projects across New York. The RTP is an assistance program with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. In New York State, both the EPF and RTP are administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).

The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed projects from this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies. Applicants utilized New York’s Consolidated Funding Application, the state’s single application for state resources, which includes programs for numerous agencies. It is designed to provide expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.

The Regional Councils were established in 2011 to jumpstart the economy and create jobs by empowering communities, business, and academic leaders, as well as members of the public in each region of the state, to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to their region's unique strengths and resources. 

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