NORWICH – For years, The Chenango Greenway Conservancy, Inc. has been dedicated to constructing a recreational trail along the Chenango River. The group is now applying for a recreational trails grant that would allow them the funding to do something about it.
The CGC was formed in the 1990s, but this year they decided to change things a little. “This spring, we decided to go for it as a non-profit organization,” said CGC secretary Sharon Pelosi. According to Pelosi, this change allowed the group to explore more funding options, like applying for grants. “We are applying for a recreational trails grant, for money to design and build a portion of the trail,” Pelosi explained.” Plans for the trail have it beginning in the northern part of the city, stretching over six miles of river bank, and ending in the Jamba Flats area south of the city.
According to Pelosi, if won, the grant money would go toward building a portion of the trail from Canal Street north toward Rexford Street. Pelosi was not sure how much money the grant could give the organization, or how much this section of trail will cost. “There is no finalized project budget yet,” Pelosi said.
As planned, the trail will be 10 feet wide, and made out of a hard-packed stone dust surface. Portions of the trail in the downtown area will be handicapped accessible. The trail will be available for walking, running, biking and portions are planned to be designated for equestrian use as well.
The CGC’s grant application is due by Oct. 13. Decisions about the grant reward will probably not come until sometime in 2007. The CGC will be at Pumpkinfest, and board member Don Windsor will be leading informal walks along portions of the proposed trail. Anyone interested may attend.
Meetings of the CGC Board of Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month at The Place. Interested parties are always welcome. For more information or to receive a membership application, you can e-mail the CGC at chenangogreenway@frontiernet.net.