CCPEG Receives $25,000 to Support Local Trail Improvements

Funds will support upgrades to Fred J. Cusimano Overland Trails in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests

JAMESTOWN, NY: -- The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is pleased to report that it has secured a $25,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to help fund Phase IV of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project. This phase includes trail construction, trail improvements, and trail reroutes along sections of the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in both Brokenstraw and Panama State Forests.

“This section of the trail is popular with a variety of trail-user groups and runs through two absolutely beautiful New York State Forests,” said Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator.

To secure this grant, CCPEG collaborated with the Chautauqua County Parks Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to plan and organize the best approach for Phase IV of the project.

According to Bodway, Phase IV of this project will update the Westside Overland Trail to meet modern standards of trail sustainability and accessibility.

“Ultimately, these Phase IV improvements will offer substantial drainage improvements and will incorporate sustainability designs to mitigate erosion and to make the trail far more accessible for a variety of trail user-groups,” Bodway said.

The trail improvements and construction will be completed by Trail Construction Associates (TCA), based in Chautauqua County, who Bodway said are familiar with the Overland Trails and are excited apply their green design trail-building techniques to improve trail sustainability.

“We will be rerouting chronic wet areas and improving sections of trail that have poor drainage and erosion issues,” Bodway said. “We plan to ‘build-up’ the trail in low areas, add bench-cut trail for better drainage, and reroute a section of trail to move it from an old gas-lease road and into the woods. These improvements will make the trail far more accessible for trail-users of varied abilities. We can’t wait to get started!”

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.

The Chautauqua County Overland Trails also would not be possible without the support and cooperation of private landowners.

About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.