West NY News

The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism (CCEDPT) has secured over $7 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. This funding is designated for the planning, preparation, and design of the Southern Tier Trail (STT). The project aims to connect trails between the City of Buffalo and the southern end of the Genesee Valley Greenway in Hinsdale, primarily following the old Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor.

The project will enhance recreation-based tourism traffic to historic towns and villages across Western New York and the Southern Tier. It seeks to grow access to outdoor resources and stimulate economic growth along main streets.

The funding will be allocated to Cattaraugus County's Southern Tier Trail Planning and Design Project. This initiative includes completing planning, environmental assessments, design work, and permitting for approximately 52 miles of trail. The trail will connect the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Erie County with the Genesee Valley Greenway in Cattaraugus County. The route will traverse 11 small municipalities and the Seneca Nation Allegany Territory. The STT will serve as a connector between these two trails, creating a regional trail loop in Western New York aimed at fostering community ties.

CCEDPT is currently seeking qualified agencies to submit proposals for this project. Interested parties can download the Request for Proposal by visiting https://www.CattCo.org/bid-request.