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Planning for the Future of the Black River Trail Scenic Byway April 5, 2006 - The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has just begun its fifth Upstate New York Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan focusing on the Black River Trail Scenic Byway project. The future of the official State Byway which cuts across St. Lawrence, Lewis, and Oneida County will be addressed in a comprehensive planning initiative. ANCA will work in partnership with the Tug Hill Commission to create a plan to stimulate economic development and tourism in the three counties. The planning initiative was launched with a meeting of the Black River Trail Steering Committee consisting of representatives from regional agencies and organizations including: ANCA, Tug Hill Commission, New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Hudson River Black River Regulating District, Lewis County Planning, Lewis County IDA, Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust; and the Lewis County Soil, Water, and Conservation District. Attendees learned that the Black River Trail Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Project will be developed as a companion project to the Black River Blueway Trail Project, which will link communities to the river itself highlighting recreation and the environment to create a regional destination. ANCA’s Scenic Byway Coordinator, Sharon O’Brien sited ANCA’s four goals for the project. The organization looks to: address the economic and community development goals of the communities; empower communities to realize local goals and become a part of a regional initiative while building a communication network linking them with involved State agencies; stimulate a dialogue that will foster new partnership projects with neighboring communities and support cooperative marketing efforts; and maintain and establish eligibility for new funding opportunities Starting, in April the Tug Hill Commission will invite community members to participate in open planning meetings. Representatives from towns, villages and cities will be asked to provide input on their segment of the Byway route on topics such as community and economic development, marketing and promotion, local resources, stewardship, and recreational opportunities. The grassroots work sessions will provide a forum that engages community leaders in creating partnerships and fostering local and regional projects that will contribute to and maintain quality communities. ANCA will spearhead the Corridor Management Plan project with funding provided through the York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) by the Federal Highway Administration and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. The total project cost is $128,500 with a Federal award of $102,800 and a $25,700 match provided by the Tug Hill Commission. The Adirondack North Country Association is a not-for-profit private corporation that strengthens the economy and quality of life in the 14 counties of Northern New York through informed, open debate and advocacy on economic issues critical to the region; and through region wide action on projects in agriculture, business and community development, forestry, human services, the arts and tourism. Headquartered in Saranac Lake, the Adirondack North Country Association is committed to economically viable communities and an improved rural quality of life. Visit the organization’s website at www.adirondack.org. For more information on the Black River Trail Scenic Byway project contact Sharon O’Brien at 518-891-6200 or anca-obrien@northnet.org. To participate in the local community meetings in Oneida, Lewis or St. Lawrence County contact Emily Murray at 315-785-2380 or emily@tughill.org. |
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