Chemung County is among communities across New York state getting some of the nearly $70 million in federal funds being awarded for dozens of bicycle and pedestrian path projects.
In Chemung County, the Lackawanna Rail Trail Phase II project will receive $450,003.
Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange was pleased to hear the news. “I am very happy to have received the funding to complete the portion of trail that extends into the 15th legislative district,” Strange said. “I have received numerous inquiries from residents eager to use the trail once it is complete. hopefully this will finish the project and allow the county open it for public use,” Strange said.
The new funding will be used for paving the trail from the railroad bridge in Elmira to the Lowman Crossover in the Town of Ashland, said Andy Avery, commissioner of public works for Chemung County.
The funding comes from the state Department of Transportation through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program that provides funding to help communities provide transportation options and alternatives to motor vehicle travel.
The upgraded trail surface will improve the safety and experience for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The projects include construction of new bike and pedestrian facilities and the conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use. The funds are administered by the state Department of Transportation.