January 2002

Congressman Walsh Announces $750,000 in Tioughnioga River Trail Funding

Cortland, NY -- Congressman James Walsh announced $750,000 in federal funding for Phase I of the Tioughnioga River Trail project at a press conference on January 18. His announcement was followed by the release of the Tioughnioga River Waterfront Development Commission's design plan.

Walsh secured the federal funding through two separate FY 2002 Appropriations bills: $250,000 was included as a special earmark in the Congressman's own FY 2002 VA/HUD Appropriations bill while $500,000 was secured in the FY 2002 Transportation Appropriations bill.

"Cortland County has an underutilized resource in the Tioughnioga River," said Walsh. "Not only is it a great fishery, but it has untapped potential as an economic generator and recreational resource."

The Tioughnioga River stretches from Cortland County's northwest and northeast corners through the City of Cortland south to the County's southern border. Once completed, the Tioughnioga River Trail will extend from Dwyer Park at Little York Lake to the Village of Marathon Train Station providing walking trails, points of public access, and economic development opportunities along its shores. The federal funding will go towards implementing Phase I of the River Trail.

Congressman Walsh serves as honorary Co-chair of the Tioughnioga River Waterfront Development Commission along with Cortland Line CEO Brian Ward.