Leadership & Innovation Fund Boosts Cuba Greenway Extension

Photograph by Jules Hoepting

The Allegany County Area Foundation’s (ACAF) Leadership & Innovation Fund, established by ACAF co-founder Jack Carter, enables ACAF to work with organizations on larger activities that enhance the quality of life in Allegany County and encourages ACAF in its efforts to see broad community involvement in bringing forth potential projects. 

The Foundation is pleased to announce that the fund’s initial grant, for $14,210, has been awarded to Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway (FOGVG) in support of the Cuba Greenway Extension Project.

The Town of Cuba has long had an interest in both better connections between the village and the Greenway Trail and a safer walking route from the village to Cuba-Rushford Central School. A plan addressing these needs was a finalist for state funding last year but not selected.

At that time, the LC Whitford Company indicated that it would provide the trail work on an in-kind basis, donate the necessary land, and create as a memorial the Daniel Whitford Greenway State Park Entrance. However, funds were still needed for a survey, mapping, wetlands Review, legal fees, and the work of a landscape architect and engineer.

ACAF’s Leadership and Innovation Fund grant covers these costs, allowing the project to move ahead. Once completed later this year, the Greenway Extension will benefit the Cuba community by providing a much safer option for pedestrians heading north out of Cuba toward the school, and a new trailhead (access) to the Greenway, allowing for increased local and regional use of the trail – a potential boost to local businesses.

Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway will serve as grantee and support the project through its extensive knowledge of the trail system, maintenance, and funding, while the Town of Cuba will provide local oversight.

Allegany County non-profits are encouraged to discuss their creative ideas with ACAF. The Foundation can be reached via phone at 585-296-5616 or email at director@acafny.org.