Greenway project application form set to be released

by Joshua Maloni
Grand Island Dispatch, September 21, 2007
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, September 22, 2007

On Oct. 1, the process to fund Greenway projects will begin.

On that day, the Niagara River Greenway Commission’s consultation and review form will be made available to the general public. The document is the first step in applying for Greenway funding.

On Tuesday, Greenway commissioners approved the instructions for project consultation and project review. The packet includes information on the evaluation process, general instructions and definitions. It spells out, in detail, what the commission will look for in endorsing projects.

“A lot of good effort, sustained effort, went into this,” Lewiston Mayor and Greenway Commission Vice Chairman Richard Soluri said. He called the submission form and application process “user friendly,” and said, “We wanted to make sure it wasn’t too hard to apply.”

“We want to support the applicants and assist them,” he said.

The commission also approved a timeline. Completed applications will be due on Nov. 20, 2007, and on Jan. 15, March 18, May 20, July 15, Sept. 16, and Nov. 18, 2008. Members will meet and make a determination 60 days after each submission date.

The application form will be available at Belue’s office in Beaver Island State Park, 2136 W. Oakfield Road, Grand Island, and online at www.niagaragreenway.org. Belue said potential claimants could also obtain a form by mailing him a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Standing committees, composed of local municipal leaders and representatives from the New York Power Authority – the entity funding the Greenway Plan – will ultimately decide which projects receive funding. Those committees are expected to meet four times in the next year to review plans approved of by the Greenway Commission.

Greenway Chairman Robert Kresse said no proposal would receive financial compensation without the commission’s endorsement.

Greenway Commission Funding

John Giardino, Greenway Commission treasurer, presented an updated financial report. Earlier this summer, the commission discovered its anticipated line item state funding for the fiscal year 2007-08 was not included in Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s budget. As such, the commission’s projected expenditures ($300,000) were paired down to $160,000, and funded through two $80,000 grants: one from NYPA, and one from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Through two quarters, spending has fallen in line with the reduced budget. Planned expenses such as office supplies, professional services, travel and promotional efforts were all reduced. Several tools, such as postage, telephone and copy service, have been donated by state parks. The commission also postponed hiring an assistant for Belue until the fourth quarter.

Giardino said a copy of the projected 2008-09 Greenway Commission budget has already been presented to the governor.

“The goal is to have our Greenway part of the regular budget like the Hudson River Greenway is,” he said.

Commissioners Re-up

The commission reappointed Soluri, Giardino and secretary Paul Leuchner to a second two-year term. The three men were approved unanimously.

Paddles Up

Belue said July’s annual “Paddles Up” function was the most successful to date. He reported 236 paddle craft were in the water, with 250 participants taking part in the 4.8-mile trek. In total, around 500 people attended the Beaver Island event – with one from as far away as France.

“We were very happy with the whole thing,” Belue said. “It was a great success that day.”

Following the paddling, the Grand Island Historic Society served lunch at Historic River Lea. Belue said 85 people participated in the organization’s tasty fundraiser.