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8-mile trail connecting state parks in Grand Island officially opens

ANGELICA A. MORRISON / WBFO NEWS
Official opening of the West River Road Shoreline Trail in Grand Island.

Cyclists and joggers can now exercise worry-free with the official opening of the West River Road Shoreline Trail in Grand Island.

Diane Goupil of Grand Island has lived near the Niagara River for 65 years. She’s an avid cyclist, and until recently, she had to ride alongside the road.

"It’s no nice not to have to keep turning around looking for cars," she said. "So, now they have the bike path and we can ride on a road specifically for bikes and walking, it’s really nice.”

Goupil was joined by other residents and local leaders who were gathering to celebrate the completion of the West River Road Shoreline Tuesday Morning. The 8-mile trail runds along Niagara River.  It connects both Beaver Island and Buckhorn State Parks.

Grand Island Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray said this trail opens up access to the region’s most valuable resource.

"We have something in Western New York that so few people have," he said.  "Eighty percent of North America's fresh water is flowing by this island every single year. Nearly 25 percent of the world’s fresh water is running by this island. That is a resource more presous than gold."

The project was $2.5 million and recieved funding from a federal grant and the New York State Power Authority. 

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