RECREATION

4 trail projects get boost from state

Four trail-related projects in Erie, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties have been awarded grants by the state as part of the federal Recreational Trails Program.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers the federal matching grants, which will be used to create and improve trails, provide connections and purchase equipment for the projects.

In Erie County, the Western New York Snowmobile Club of Boston was awarded $129,658 to purchase snowmobile trail-grooming equipment, and Grand Island will receive $86,963 to construct a 1,460-foot pathway connecting the Island Meadows subdivision to the existing paved trail system in Veterans Park. The project aims to increase accessibility for handicapped residents.

In Chautauqua County, the nonprofit Ellery Sno-Cruisers was awarded $136,000 to buy grooming equipment to build and maintain trails in the towns of Ellery, Stockton, Gerry and Ellicott, which are part of the state-funded trail system.

The Cattaraugus/Chautauqua Chapter of the New York Horse Council will receive $28,000 to add two small parking areas along an existing trail that may be expanded and to maintain the current trail. In Cattaraugus County, the Village and Town of Franklinville are slated to share $59,467 to create a motorized and nonmotorized trail linking the village and Case Lake Park.

The grants were part of $3.3 million in federal funds re-awarded for 32 trail-related projects across the state.