Higgins, Ryan & Conrad: $2M-plus for new multiuse trail in Town of Tonawanda

Say project provides missing link connecting Two-Mile Creek Trail with trails along River Road

Congressman Brian Higgins, New York State Sen. Sean Ryan, and New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad were joined Wednesday by leaders from the Town of Tonawanda to announce a new $2.12 million trail project in the Town of Tonawanda.

“The new Riverwalk Parkway trail in Tonawanda will connect people to jobs, recreation, parks and playgrounds, waterfront views, and other public destinations,” Higgins said. “This is the latest in an ongoing effort to improve bicycle travel accessibility and safety across Western New York.”

Ryan said, “In New York, we recognize that the future of transportation planning must consider not only drivers, but also pedestrians, bicyclists, and those who utilize public transportation to get around. The Riverwalk Parkway trail will create a new route to safely connect bicyclists and pedestrians in Tonawanda to Isle View Park, the Niagara River, and New York's Empire State Trail. I thank Congressman Higgins for his efforts to secure this much-needed investment in our community.”

Conrad said, "Our region's network of recreational trails adds to users' quality of life, providing opportunities for exploration and exercise, and reminding users of nature's beauty. Creating connections between trails builds community, and ensures better access for everyone to what Western New York has to offer. I am proud of this public investment in the Riverwalk Parkway Trail, of the project's attention to pedestrian safety, and of the collaborative spirit of government that it represents. Thank you especially to Congressman Higgins for his faithful advocacy at the federal level on behalf of the Tonawandas."

Town of Tonawanda Engineer Matthew Sutton said, “The Town of Tonawanda is excited to expand its multiuse trail network. We find that there are many benefits to this type of project, including multimodal transportation access for the employees of the business park and providing recreational alternatives that did not previously exist. We think that the Riverwalk Parkway Trail in conjunction with Erie County’s Isle View Park Enhancement project, partially funded through the Ralph Wilson Foundation, will greatly enhance the recreational opportunities for local residents and workers.”

A press release said, “The Riverwalk Parkway Multiuse Trail project will create a brand-new, 1.33-mile trail along Riverwalk Parkway through Riverview Solar Technology Park. There are currently no sidewalks or bike lanes on the existing roadway, making bicycle and pedestrian travel difficult and unsafe especially given the truck traffic associated with businesses in the area.

“The new Riverwalk Parkway Trail fills in a missing link, connecting the Two-Mile Creek Greenway Trail with the Niagara River Greenway Trail, which runs along Isle View Park. This new path will complement the more than 15 miles of existing trails within the Town of Tonawanda.

“The project is also in addition to an over $1 million investment by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in Isle View Park, which will feature a scenic overlook of the Niagara River and a switchback trail better connecting the steep division between River Road and the Shoreline trail.”

The project, which is included on the New York State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) list, is 80% federally funded, with the Town of Tonawanda providing the 20% local match.

New Riverwalk Parkway Trail location (Images courtesy of the Office of Congressman Brian Higgins)