County says O&W rail‑trail project was a 'project of merit' for federal BUILD funds despite not receiving 2026 award
September 03, 2026 | Sullivan County, New York
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County planning staff told the committee the county's BUILD application for O&W rail‑trail work did not receive funding for 2026 but was designated a national 'project of merit' and ranked among the top 10 applications.
"We did not get our BUILD funding again for 2026. However, it was notated as a project of merit, which means that it was placed in the top 10 of applications nationwide, and we are encouraged to file again in 2027," Heather said. Staff said the BUILD request was for about $3,500,000 and noted county finances are tight, so the county will pursue other funding sources to leverage the federal request.
The county also described grant assistance to help the village of Liberty pursue property acquisition to connect the rail trail between Liberty and Parksville. Staff framed the effort as ongoing regional coordination and said they will continue to apply to federal programs.
"We did not get our BUILD funding again for 2026. However, it was notated as a project of merit, which means that it was placed in the top 10 of applications nationwide, and we are encouraged to file again in 2027," Heather said. Staff said the BUILD request was for about $3,500,000 and noted county finances are tight, so the county will pursue other funding sources to leverage the federal request.
The county also described grant assistance to help the village of Liberty pursue property acquisition to connect the rail trail between Liberty and Parksville. Staff framed the effort as ongoing regional coordination and said they will continue to apply to federal programs.
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