June 27, 2024 | By Jim Eckstrom | oleantimesherald.com
The Seneca Nation has been awarded more than $1.42 million for trail improvements on its territory in Salamanca, including plans to connect the Pennsy Trail (pictured) with the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.
SALAMANCA — The Seneca Nation of Indians has been allocated more than $1.42 million from New York state to connect two important trails on the Allegany Territory in Salamanca.
The funding was made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. It is provided through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP).
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said Tuesday, June 25 that increasing the number of available trails is a goal that will help improve the walkability of the Senecas’ territories. He told the Press the $1.4 million grant secured by the Seneca Nation Department of Transportation will specifically support the development of two important trails on the Allegany Territory — the West End Trail, an old rail line that will connect the Pat McGee Trail to Main Street, and the Broad Street Walkway, which will connect to the Pennsy Trail and Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.
“Cultivating these trails is an important initiative that will improve public health by enhancing accessibility, mobility, and the experience of residents and visitors, while also helping to reduce vehicle emissions,” Armstrong said. “Ultimately, Seneca Nation investments in these trail development projects will continue to improve the overall quality of life on the Allegany Territory and allow more community members to safely walk to necessary services, local businesses, and employment opportunities.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said a total of $18 million in funding was awarded to support community-based investments that reduce vehicle emissions and congestion in Western New York. Funds were awarded to projects in the region that improve traffic flow, improve pedestrian accessibility, facilitate the use of alternative fuel vehicles or broaden public transit services.
The funding was part of $61.4 million that was awarded to 21 projects across the state.
Dominguez said the community-based projects like the Seneca trails effort reaffirm New York’s commitment to the environment put forward by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“By investing in projects that will lessen congestion and the pollution associated with idling, as well as limiting the environmental impact of carbon, we are not only helping to fight climate change but also helping to facilitate local economic development and improving quality of life,” Dominguez said.
The Hochul administration said CMAQ and CRP are helping the state meet its long-term climate change goals established by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that included public benefit, air quality improvements, cost-effectiveness and partnerships.
