Press Release
August 19, 2022
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New York State Parks Acquires Former Railbed to Enhance Genesee Valley Greenway State Park
Project Will Close Gaps Along Multi-Use Trail in
Western New York
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation today announced the acquisition of a former railbed in
Western New York that will increase access and connections to the Genesee
Valley Greenway State Park. New York State purchased the 17-mile former rail
corridor for $400,000 now making the Greenway a 90-mile recreational and alternative
transportation route through the Genesee Valley. This acquisition plus other
planned rehabilitation work will close gaps in the trail and create
much-needed connections for neighboring communities.
"Connecting the Genesee Valley Greenway is an important
step along this route for community recreation and safety," New York State Parks Commissioner Erik
Kulleseid said. "Under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership,
this will significantly improve the regional trail system in Western New York
and expand access to outdoor recreation and the tourism economy. We look
forward to rehabilitating the railbed into a trail and converting railroad
bridges into pedestrian bridges. These exciting projects make our parks safer
and more welcoming to cyclists and pedestrians and improve access for
year-round recreational opportunities."
The new section, which extends from the Genesee River
north of Belfast, NY (Allegany County) south to Cuba, NY, offers an
opportunity to create "loop trails" within the Genesee Valley Greenway
corridor.
In addition to this strategic purchase, New York State
will advance a $6.25 million "Genesee Valley Greenway Bridges of
Allegany County" project, which is funded by a $1.25 million Ralph C. Wilson,
Jr. Foundation grant and a $5
million Transportation Assistance Program grant. It would create 22 miles
of continuous trail along the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park. The project
includes construction of four bridges and resurfacing to provide a
continuous route.
NYS Senator George Borrello, 57th
Senate District, said, "Among
Western New York's greatest assets are its spectacular parks and natural
resources. These projects create new Allegany County linkages to the Genesee
Valley Greenway State Park and miles of new trails and bridges will increase
usage and enjoyment of one of our region's true recreational gems. My thanks
go out to Governor Hochul and Commissioner Kulleseid for this great
investment, which will enhance the quality of life and tourism to our area."
NYS Assemblymember Joe Giglio,
Assembly District 148, said, "The
acquisition of the 17-mile former rail line and its planned rehabilitation
will enhance the outdoor recreational opportunities on the Genesee Valley
Greenway and is wonderful news. I have always supported our parks. The
activities promoted by them bring families together and allow people of all
ages to enjoy the abundant natural resources found in our region. I look
forward to exploring the new trails with my family in the near future."
Improved and repaired connections in Allegany County will
enable communities to utilize the Genesee Valley Greenway for recreation,
transportation and economic development opportunities. This improved route
can be used for walking, hiking, running, cycling, horseback riding,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
The Genesee
Valley Canal and later the Rochester Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad has
been a transportation route for decades. New York State acquired the corridor
in the early 1990's and began to operate the property as a "greenway," or
linear open space, under the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
State Parks took over management of the facility in 2010 and has since
continued to work toward its development as a regional asset for the public.
Overall, the Greenway runs from Rochester to Hinsdale, passing through five
counties and 16 townships.
The New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more
than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat
launches and more, which were visited by a record 78.4 million people in
2021. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call
518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov,
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on the State Parks blog.