MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County has been approved for funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), for the development of Phases I & II of the Equestrian Trail System Plan in the Towns of Charlotte and Cherry Creek. The plan is being administered by Southern Tier West.
In an effort to implement projects recommended in the Chautauqua County’s Comprehensive Plan – Chautauqua 20/20, the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Economic Development (CCPED) developed the Equestrian Trail System Plan. As a starting point, the Plan identified an opportunity to develop a 35+ mile equestrian trail loop using primarily existing trails and rights-of-way, to serve as a model for future equestrian trail development throughout the County and region.
The County applied for and was approved for $150,000 of grant funding from the commission, which will be matched with $150,000 of local cash and in-kind contributions from the County, the County Industrial Development Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and other stakeholders.
Specific project work will include upgrades to approximately five miles of trails, upgrades to an existing trailhead/parking area and road crossings, and installation of a picnic area, kiosks, trail signage and hitch posts. This $300,000 project, which will make approximately 20 miles available for horseback riding when connected with Cockaigne’s trails, is expected to be initiated in the fall of 2012 and be completed in the fall of 2013.
For more information on the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System Plan, go online to www.planningchautauqua.com.
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