The red line on the map follows the proposed route of the Downtown Riverwalk Project in Potsdam.

By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- The downtown riverwalk project is now several steps closer to its funding goals as nearly 80 percent of the total project cost was provided from a $400,000 state grant announced earlier this week.

The Riverwalk will begin at the corner of Maple and Market Streets and travel west, crossing the twin bridges over the river, connect to a village-owned lane on the west side of the Raquette River behind Swan Landing Apartments, re-cross the river via Sandstoner Drive, connect at Garner Park and travel east on Raymond Street and turn south on Market returning to the starting point.

The village will provide the non-federal share of the project costs totaling $102,275 or 20.4 percent of the total. The sources of funding include $74,775 through the village’s general fund revenue and $27,500 received from the state Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program that was earmarked for the preparation of designs and development of a preliminary cost opinion and permitting requirements assessment.

“I expect this project to unfold over three or four years and the village can take small amounts of cash and set it aside as well as look at other sources of funding,” said Fred Hanss, director of planning and development.

The $400,000 grant was chosen based on an application submitted by the village to the state Department of Transportation’s “Transportation Alternatives Program.”

“This grant was needed to ensure that we have enough funding so that we can go to other grant agencies and show them that we only have a small gap to get where we need to be. It makes it a little easier,” Hanss said.

“Potsdam is on the move! This is more than about taking a nice walk; it is about economic development,” said Potsdam Mayor Steven Yurgartis.

The village’s proposal will take advantage of existing sidewalks and public parks and link them together with new bike and pedestrian paths. The Riverwalk will be roughly one mile in length and feature way-finding signage, street lighting and scenic overlooks; it will be accessible to people with physical disabilities.

“Together we are making Potsdam a place where even more people will want to come to live, work, study or play, and that is good new for all of us. The Riverwalk will be a terrific addition to the expanding network of trails in the village,” Yugartis said.

“The Village of Potsdam envisioned a looped pedestrian walkway and bicycle path that would follow the Racquette River shoreline in its 2012 Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan. In addition to connecting our residents and visitors to the Racquette River, we believe that the project will provide more direct connections between the village’s universities and our residential neighborhoods to the merchants and services available downtown,” he said.

The mayor noted that this is the second high priority capital project included in the village’s 2012 Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Project. The village completed the renovation of Ives Park using grant assistance provided by the New York State Department of State’s Local Waterfrony Revitalization Program.

“Our resident advisory committee and Planning and Development Office did a tremendous job developing our downtown revitalization strategy; and, we are beginning to see the benefits of this planning and grant-writing effort,” Yugartis said.

Yugartis said in addition to this project, the Department of Transportation will be undertaking a major renovation of the Maple Street bridges in 2015 that will provide enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities and contribute to the attractiveness and functionality of the Riverwalk.

“I’d like to express my appreciation to Governor Cuomo, Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald, Congressman Bill Owens, State Senator Joe Griffo and Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell for selecting Potsdam to receive a grant through this highly competitive program,” Yugartis said.