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Ithaca, NY - In an effort to improve the quality of life for Ithaca residents as well as to increase tourism and economic development, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced nearly $1.4 million in federal funds for the development and expansion of the Cayuga Waterfront and Buttermilk Falls Trails.
"These funds will allow for the expansion of the Cayuga Waterfront and Buttermilk Falls Trails, which will enhance the ability of Ithaca's residents to enjoy their local natural wonders, while also bringing more visitors to the area, who will in turn pump more money into the area's economy," Hinchey said. "Expanding Ithaca's trails means expanding Ithaca's economy and creating new business opportunities. Between the recreational and economic benefits, these two trail projects are win-win situations for the people of Ithaca. Additionally, Ithaca's residents can use the trails to commute to work, which will help save money on gas when prices are at or near record levels."
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail, which is receiving $960,000, will be the centerpiece of an emerging regional trail network that is critical to the region’s quality of life and tourism promotion efforts. Cayuga Lake is the most important and well-known regional landscape feature. Providing public access to the water edge is a priority for city and county officials. This project allows the development of phase three of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, which will link the trail to such destinations as the Farmers Market, Northside and Fall Creek neighborhoods, Stewart Park and the Tompkins County Visitor’s Center. The proposed trail will connect to the other sections of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, providing a continuous path along the city’s waterfront. The trail, which covers approximately two miles, will be used by people of all ages and will also serve numerous employers and community facilities.
The Buttermilk Falls Trail, which is receiving $435,200, will serve as a significant regional recreational amenity, offering significant promotional opportunities for tourism. The proposed trail will fill a critical link in a trail system, connecting the urban area of Ithaca to the Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman state parks. This trail will promote alternative transportation options to a portion of the city that is increasingly dominated by automobile traffic. Completion of the Buttermilk Falls Trail will accelerate development of a smaller trail link in the town of Ithaca, connecting to the Pew Memorial Trail and the rest of the multiuse trail system in the eastern part of Tompkins County, thus facilitating completion of the planned countywide network.
"These trail expansion projects are wonderful examples of a strong public-private collaboration and they demonstrate the success that can be achieved when officials from all levels of government -- federal, state, and city -- come together for the good of the public," Hinchey said. "I'm delighted to have helped play a role in making today happen and look forward to getting out on the trails myself and further exploring the natural environment in Ithaca."
Hinchey secured the funds for the Cayuga Waterfront and Buttermilk Falls Trails from Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) measure, which is a major transportation projects bill. The president signed the measure into law in August.
Joining Hinchey at the press conference were Jean McPheeters -- President of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson, Ithaca Town Supervisor Cathy Valentino, Rick Manning -- Landscape Architect and Project Coordinator for the trails, Fernando De Aragon -- Director of the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council, and members of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative Advisory Committee.
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