Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation To Help Support Expansion of the Empire State Trail Initiative
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has received a $6.5 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to expand the Empire State Trail initiative in Western New York. The grant will be used to enhance the trail with gateways, signage, kiosks, bike racks and other amenities that will make it a world-class destination. The grant will also be used to help complete the Shoreline Trail and add trail amenities from Buffalo to Niagara Falls.
"The Empire State Trail provides residents and visitors with expanded access to New York's world-class natural beauty, driving tourism and economic activity to communities in every corner of the state," Governor Cuomo said. "This significant investment from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation will further enhance our State's picturesque trails, positioning Western New York and our entire state as a leading destination for outdoor recreation."
"This significant funding will expand the Empire State Trail improving connections and enhancing access to the Niagara Gorge," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The Empire State Trail spans from Buffalo to Albany and New York City, and with this support we're establishing an important connection between Niagara Falls and New York City allowing New Yorkers to experience all the great recreational opportunities our state has to offer. Thank you to the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation for investing in our statewide tourism industry and boosting the economy of Western New York."
Today, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation President and CEO David Egner visited Devil's Hole State Park to announce the grant for the WNY Greenways Initiative, which includes investments in the Empire State Trail, the Niagara River Greenway and the Shoreline Trail.