Write a commentThe City of Fulton announced today that Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref--Pulaski) has secured a $100,000 legislative grant which will allow the city to build a cement stairwell that overlooks the Oswego River from South First Street.
Mayor Ron Woodward, members of the Fulton Common Council, local veterans, city officials and staff, local volunteers and organizations met today to thank Assemblyman Barclay for the grant.
The stairwell will be built across from City Hall on the north side of Veteran's Park along the river embankment. The stairs will help ensure safe access to the canal from the city's downtown and provide a scenic overlook for residents and visitors along South First Street. It will also link two trails--the Canalview Bridge Walk Trail and the Pathfinder Canal Towpath Trail--which are part of the city's trail study and a focus for future waterfront revitalization efforts. The stairs are expected to be built in 2019.
"I am grateful for the Assemblyman's assistance in helping us get these stairs built. Extending the Pathfinder Canal Towpath Trail has always been a passion of mine and this stairwell will help the city welcome more people to walk and enjoy themselves along the canal. The location is perfect too and will really help highlight our river, the city's downtown, and Veteran's Park," said Mayor Ron Woodward.
"Fulton has a beautiful river right in its downtown and I am happy to assist the city in its efforts to make the river and the canal more accessible for people," said Assemblyman Barclay. "In addition, I am thrilled to see the waterfront revitalization planning efforts taking place in Fulton. These types of planning efforts and the synergy of the community behind them will pay off for Fulton."
In 2016, the City of Fulton was awarded a $61,500 grant from the New York State Department of State to complete a trail study for walkways throughout the city. The study was completed in July. Based on estimates provided in the study, the city recently applied for a construction grant that, if awarded, will assist in implementing some of the recommendations which includes improving accessibility of the Pathfinder Canal Towpath Trail.
Executive Director of Community Development Agency Joe Fiumara said the grant for the stairs moves the city forward with its plans for waterfront revitalization. Fiumara noted the grant can also be paired with other grants that require matching funds.
"We have a great committee that has been dedicated to seeing this trail study through and who have also been dedicated to the city's Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan. When we heard about the stairwell money, we were all very encouraged. Thank you Assemblyman Barclay! The scenic view will be a reason for people to stop and visit the city's downtown," said Fiumara.
This grant follows the announcement of the sidewalk repairs recently completed along the Canalview Bridge Walk thanks to the city's DPW crew and a $5,000 donation provided by Oswego County Opportunities (OCO). Mayor Ron Woodward, city employees, and city volunteers from Fulton Footpaths recently met to thank OCO for its donation as well.
