MOHAWK TOWPATH BYWAY RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANTS

 

The Mohawk Towpath Byway has received word that it will be receiving nearly $57,000 in two Federal Highway Administration grants through the New York State Byway Program and will be an active participant in a third project with the two other federally designated Byways in New York State.

 

The Mohawk Towpath Byway is a road: a series of state, county, and local roads between Waterford and Schenectady that follows the historic route of the Erie Canal.  The route, the historic features and the communities along the route tell the story of Erie Canal and it’s importance in the westward expansion of the coun try and nurturing the Industrial revolution.

 

The top priority project for the Mohawk Towpath Byway will be implementation of the Byway’s Corridor Management Plan with a $25,000 grant to be matched with an additional 20% local funding.  This will fund Byway efforts for one year including a sustainability study, a marketing study, and other implementation efforts.

 

A second project will provide information and interpretive kiosks and improvements at three historic locations in the Town of Clifton Park.  A $31,670 grant for this project was approved.  Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition Chairman Eric Hamilton said that he anticipates that the state will contract directly with the Town of Clifton Park to complete this project.  The three kiosks, and landscaping improvements around them, will be located at Clute's Dry Dock, at the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve

entrance, and at the foot of Ferry Drive.  

 

Clifton Park Councilman Tom Paolucci said, “ I am very pleased and excited to hear that our grant submission has received funding status.  Receiving these funds are further evidence that what we are doing in Town with regards to our the Byway and our recreational assets is important and that people outside of Clifton Park are noticing as well.”

 

Hamilton also noted that the Byway will also participate in the French and Indian War educational programming which received a $221,000 grant to be administered by the Seaway Trail.  “This will provide further depth to the story of the Mohawk Towpath Byway since this area play an important part of history well back into Native American times,” Hamilton added.

 

In all, Acting Secretary of Transportation Maria Cino has awarded $25.5 million in

National Scenic Byways Program grants to 309 projects in 45 States.   New York State Byway Coordinator Mark Woods reported that, “19 of these projects are in New York State totaling $1,179,416 in federal dollars. This is up from last year's awarding of $861,830.”   Woods added that a prioritized list submitted by the New York State

Scenic Byways Program and Advisory Board was followed in the selection process.

 

“Obviously, the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition is excited about this funding picture,”  Chairman Hamilton said.  “This will propel the Byway effort forward, augment projects already started in the Town of Halfmoon, and begin to make a difference as our communities try to put their best face forward.  It will help all of us rediscover the historic, recreational, scenic, and cultural gems we have right here in our own back yard.”