Slaughter announces grant funds for Seaway Trail

The Great Lakes Seaway Niagara River Trail Project has received a $1,167,300 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, NY-28, announced Monday.

This project will fill in the gap in an existing multi-use trail running between Buffalo and Lewiston. The proposed multi-use trail follows the Great Lakes Seaway Trail and the Niagara River in the Town of Wheatfield between Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Completion of the project could lead to increased tourism revenues and a greater emphasis on the rich cultural heritage of the region, Slaughter said.

"The Great Lakes Seaway is a wonderful project that helps to highlight the cultural richness of our region," said Slaughter. "I have long touted and supported efforts to draw international attention to the tourist attractions within Western New York, such as the historic Darwin D. Martin House. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is rich with Native American and Underground Railroad history. Indeed, many of the most important chapters of American history have been written in this region and I am happy to support projects that bring attention to that fact."

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile scenic route paralleling Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and St. Lawrence River. This competitive grant was awarded through the National Scenic Byways Program, which is administered by the Federal Highway Administration within the U.S Department of Transportation.