Michelle Denhoff, Planning and Development Specialist for
Allegany County, said that the project will be completed in phases to determine
a trail route that will provide a 20-mile missing connect between the WAG trail
in Wellsville and the Genesee Valley Greenway trail in Belfast. “This is a very
important missing link to a larger 230-mile trail system, the Triple Divide
Trail, connecting users from Lake Ontario down to the Susquehanna River in
Williamsport, PA.” Denhoff continued on that this opportunity for trail
expansion could bring a huge economic benefit to our communities. “Once this
portion of the work is complete, we will determine if a connection is feasible
and move on to the other phases of the project.”
This is the start of a long-term collaborative effort
between Allegany County and its many trail stakeholders, as the County
Legislature plans to appoint members of the community to the Trails and Outdoor
Recreation Advisory Committee at the July legislative committee meetings. The established
group is set to advise the Planning and Economic Development Committee on
fostering development of a county-wide trail system.
Two other entities were also awarded grant funds through
this fund to assist in trail work and design, Alfred University for trails on
Jericho Hill, and the Catt/Chau Chapter of the New York State Horse Council for
equestrian trail work in the West Almond area. This was a very unique
opportunity for Allegany County and we are very thankful to have received these
monies.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were established at
the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important
to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth
sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed
to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a
client’s wishes.
