The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. was awarded a $278,000 state grant that will be used to assess needs of the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between Concord and Ashford.
The money comes from a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through its Environmental Protection Fund.
Coupled with a grant from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, funds will be used to come up with a cost estimate for a new decking design for the bridge. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. will also use the money to design and construct a trail approaching from the north to the bridge that will be a highlight of the Erie County Rail Trail and future Southern Tier Trail.
The Erie County Rail Trail is a 27-mile, multiuse recreational trail created along an old rail bed that extends from Orchard Park in Erie County to Ashford in Cattaraugus County.
Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan, in the announcement released Thursday by the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc., said funding represents an investment in the region’s assets that will enhance residents’ and visitors’ experience.
“I applaud the municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and others for working in collaboration to identify these projects, which will promote growth, tourism and economic development,” Gallivan said.
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