Erie Catt Rail Trail Springs to Life with Trail Opening

Trail openings are always a happy occasion, but cutting the ribbon on Pop Warner Rail Trail in Springville was especially gratifying for local trail advocates and PTNY.

Parks & Trails New York's Fran Gotcsik was among the dignitaries on hand for the opening of the Springville Pop Warner Rail Trail on September 14.

The Pop Warner Rail Trail is a 1.8 mile trail along the discontinued Buffalo and Pittsburgh Rail Road right-of-way which runs from Orchard Park to the Town of Ashford. It is part of the larger Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail that follows the same line for 27.6 miles. The Springville section is named after football legend Pop Warner who lived in Springville. The full corridor connects five communities, two ski areas and travels through some of the most spectacular countryside in all of Western New York.

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc was a recipient of technical assistance from PTNY, through the Healthy Trails, Healthy People program. The Trail was funded in part by a grant from the Springville Griffith Institute Community Educational Foundation. This is the first section of the 27 mile right-of-way to be developed and opened, and represents a major accomplishment for local trail advocates and the overall community.

“This had been a long time coming,” said Deborah Fenn, current co-chair and founding member of ECRT, “and this is just the beginning of what will arguably become the most glorious multi-use recreational trail in all of Western New York. After more than 8 years and a number of negotiation phases, ECRT is now very close to gaining title to the full 27 mile corridor. Meanwhile, we have hardworking, steadfast leaders like Mayor Krebs to thank for our progress to date. This grand opening is truly historic, and the citizens of Springville can take pride in this significant step forward.”

ECRT Co-Chair Gary Willert added, “The Village of Springville, as lead by Mayor Bill Krebs, exemplifies in the highest regard what can be achieved when we all pull together, and we are confident the other municipalities within this 27 mile corridor will jump on board when the time comes. For now, we are still negotiating an interim trail use/rail banking agreement with B&PRR, have filed the required documentation with the Federal Surface Transportation Board, and continue work under a Right Of Entry Agreement. We wish to thank our ever-increasing support base within the Southern Tier of Western New York.”

Senator Patrick Gallivan attended the ribbon cutting and shared some great images, which can be viewed at Springville Rail Trail page, https://www.facebook.com/Springville-Rail-Trail-26...

The full press release available here, http://www.ecattrail.org/springville-opening-pr

Congratulations to Sprinville, and to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. We know that this is only the beginning of what will be a great trail!