Congressman Langworthy Announces $1 Million Federal Grant for Tanglewood Nature Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced a federal grant of $1 million for the Tanglewood Community Nature Center in Elmira, NY. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved this significant grant construction of the Tanglewood Canopy Walkway, a project that aims to enhance tourism and boost the local economy in the Finger Lakes region.

"Tanglewood Nature Center is a pillar in our community for education, conservation, recreation, and local tourism. I'm proud to announce this $1 million investment that will allow for the expansion of their facilities,” said Congressman Langworthy. “I have worked closely with Tanglewood and advocated for this funding to ensure we can stimulate local economic growth by attracting thousands of new visitors to our area.”

The Tanglewood Canopy Walkway project will construct a 900-foot, handicap-accessible pathway suspended 70 feet above the ground. This feature will offer new views of the tree canopy and the Chemung River's Palisades cliffs. It aims to attract 24,300 new day visitors and 16,200 overnight visitors annually, generating an estimated $171,000 in new tax revenue within three years of its completion.

"The Tanglewood Canopy Walkway will give visitors a new perspective of nature that they otherwise wouldn’t see from the ground. This funding gives us another opportunity to educate through recreation, blending a unique experience with our programming,” said Elaine Smith, Executive Director of Tanglewood Nature Center. “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Langworthy's partnership and advocacy, which have been instrumental in securing this grant."

The project funding includes contributions from various sources, totaling $3,531,000: $1,000,000 from ARC, $600,000 from state funding, and $1,931,000 from local funding.

The walkway will serve as an educational resource, allowing visitors to study and appreciate the tree canopy's ecology. It represents a significant expansion of Tanglewood's existing trails and programming, ensuring broader access to nature for all community members and visitors.