October 20, 2010

6 Mile Riverfront Greenway Part of Comprehensive Plan to Bring Additional Recreational & Economic Opportunities to Auburn

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, U.S. Rep. Michael A. Arcuri (NY-24) announced that the City of Auburn has received a $590,000 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) II grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the planning, design and engineering of a 6 mile riverfront multi-use trail along the Owasco River.  Arcuri has actively worked to help secure funding for this project which includes sending a letter of support to USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

"The Owasco River was once heavily used for industry and power production, and over the years much of the riverfront has been neglected and forgotten," said Arcuri.  "This TIGER II funding will help turn the Owasco River into a livable, walkable and green section of our community that will drive tourism, recreation and improve the quality of life for residents.  Additionally, it will serve as a link between downtown and the areas greatest asset, Owasco Lake."

This funding will allow the City of Auburn to plan, design and engineer a direct, non-motorized link between Wadsworth Park in downtown Auburn and Emerson Park on Owasco Lake.  This multi-modal trail will make the entire region more livable, facilitate economic development on Main Street and preserve environmental green space along the City's primary natural resource, the Owasco River.  In addition, this multi-modal corridor directly supports New York State Department of Transportation's Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning goals, as well as local transportation and sustainability initiatives in the City's newly adopted Comprehensive Plan.

The TIGER II program is a national, competitive grant program, totaling $600 million and dedicated to both planning and construction of major highway, rail, transit, and port improvements across the country. It is similar to the TIGER I grant program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Bill), although funded through the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill.

Click here to read the letter of support sent to Secretary LaHood in support of the Owasco Riverfront Redevelopment Project.

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