Governor Hochul Announces $5.8 Million to Support Community Infrastructure Projects in Western New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $5.8 million in State capital funding to support two important community projects in Western New York, including restoration of water flow around Island Park and construction of the Peanut Line Trail to connect Clarence Pathway Trail and Ellicott Creek Trailway.

"Improving my home region of Western New York inspired me to serve this great state, and ever since, I've remained committed to finding innovative ways to support local communities across the region. Today I'm delighted to announce new funding that will modernize infrastructure and improve quality of life for residents across Western New York," Governor Hochul said. "This is going to have a real, positive impact for these local communities, allowing families to more easily access parks, schools and jobs, increase pedestrian and bicycler safety all while cutting costs."

The investments include $2 million for the restoration of water flow around Island Park and $3.8 million to create a trail connection between Clarence Pathway Trail and Ellicott Creek Trailway. The funding will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "These investments will make a real difference for communities across Western New York, improving water quality, restoring a treasured public park and creating new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of investing in local infrastructure that improves quality of life and connects communities. DASNY is proud to administer this funding and work with our local partners to help move these projects forward."

Ellicott Creek Dam Removal

The removal of the old dam in Ellicott Creek and installation of a passive weir system will restore the creek's natural habitat and improve water quality for New Yorkers and wildlife. Removing the old dam will also eliminate ongoing costs, manual labor and safety and liability concerns and, most importantly, restore the water flow around Island Park, a treasured community park.

The Peanut Line Trail

The Peanut Line Trail will create a crucial east-west connection between the existing Clarence Pathway Trail to the east and the Ellicott Creek Trailway. This new active transportation corridor will improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, commercial corridors, and transit services.

The project, totalling more than $10 million, consists of construction of approximately 4.9 miles of 10-foot-wide ADA-compliant paved multi-use path primarily within a former New York Central Railroad corridor. The trail will include numerous pedestrian and bicycle safety measures, including signage, pavement markings, guide rail, access control, and signalized crossings. The project was recently awarded $7 million in federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program, which is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.

State Senator Jeremy Zellner said, "Island Park is an important part of the Village of Williamsville and a place that residents and visitors have enjoyed for generations. Restoring water flow around the park is critical to preserving this community asset, improving the health of Ellicott Creek and maintaining the character of the village. The Peanut Line trail connection is also a critical investment in our community, connecting existing trails and giving residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and explore Western New York. These projects will benefit our communities for years to come. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Assemblymember McMahon for recognizing the importance and investing in the future of Amherst, Williamsville and Western New York."

Town of Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin said, "The Peanut Line Multi-Use Trail represents an important investment in Amherst's future and the quality of life of our residents. This 4.9-mile trail will serve as a missing link in our region's trail network, connecting the Town of Clarence trail system with the Akron Trailway, the Ellicott Creek Trailway in Amherst and Tonawanda. By closing this gap, Governor Hochul is creating greater opportunities for residents and visitors to explore our community, travel more safely, and enjoy the outdoors. These improvements are about more than expanding a trail, they're about building a safer, more accessible, and more connected region. By linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, and local businesses, we can encourage active transportation, support local economic growth, and create a lasting asset for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy for generations to come"

Williamsville Mayor Christine L. Hunt said, "The Village is very grateful to Governor Hochul for the funding she is providing for the Ellicott Creek Corridor Waterway Restoration Project. This is a project we launched with a FEMA grant acting through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in 2023, and to be able to move forward with the completion of the project for the residents and many visitors of the Village of Williamsville is very exciting. This is an example of government working together from the level closest to the public, all the way to the highest state office. It would not have been possible without the hard work of Assemblymember Karen McMahon, her office and the office of Senator Jeremy Zellner. We can now move on to the design study phase, environmental compliance, and the rest of the intense work that will be involved in getting this project completed over the next few years."