PTNY announces $60k in funding to activate WNY Trail Towns

Eight municipalities in Western New York will receive $61,754 in competitive grants! These Trail Town Grants support a broader initiative aimed at boosting local economies by leveraging visitation to nearby public lands. The funding will be used to promote place-making efforts, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and implement community-driven projects that prioritize active transportation alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians.

Awardees include:

• Town of Wheatland ($15,000) for improvements to the 60-acre Indian Allan Park adjacent to the Genesee Valley Greenway creating access for pedestrians and cyclists into the parkland’s scenic riparian features of Oatka Creek and pathways through the open fields.
• Village of Brockport ($12,349) for the purchase and installation of bike racks and inclusive wayfaring signage at Brockport's popular downtown and waterfront destinations near the Erie Canalway Trail.
• Village of Perry ($8,996) for the installation of a bicycle repair station and a water filling station at the Memorial Park/Main St trailhead.
• RVER (Regional Ventures in Economic Revitalization) Group / Town of Caneadea ($7,115) to install light pole banners on the main road through the town’s three hamlets and signage at each end of town creating a more unified visitor experience.
• Town of Mount Morris ($7,487) to enhance the visitor experience by adding new benches on Main Street, installing a water filling station on the Genesee Valley Greenway, and to attract more visitors to the nearby Powell Park and kayak launch by installing new signage from the trail.
• Lockport Main Street ($4,050) to create a brochure map of the City of Lockport designed to connect visitors and users of the Empire State Trail to local businesses, amenities, and attractions.
• Letchworth Gateway Villages ($3,756) to print and distribute brochures and rack cards to highlight and promote individual Genesee Valley Trail Towns.
• Village of Avon ($3,000) for the installation of a water fill and pet station in the Erie-Attica trailhead park.

The growing popularity of outdoor recreation tourism demands a strategic investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and amenities. These Trail Town seed grants will make a big impact by providing the essential funding needed to enhance trails, support local businesses, and create vibrant outdoor recreation hubs that attract visitors and strengthen community pride.

The Western New York Regional Greenways Planning Summit and the Trail Town Grants were both made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.