The trail that extends around the perimeter of Onondaga Lake attracts more than a million people annually as the effort to clean up the body of water continues.

That’s according to Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney who contends “what we need now is to be able to finish that [trail] loop, so people can make their way all the way around the lake.”

Mahoney is hoping the federal government can help it complete the multi-use trail system surrounding Onondaga Lake.

She joined U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) in his July 18 visit to Onondaga Lake Park where he said he would pursue a $10 million federal grant to complete the trail system that would “Loop the Lake,” as noted in a news release that the senator’s office issued the same day.

Schumer said he wants to secure a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Within the next month or two, they’re going to announce these grants,” Schumer said in speaking to reporters following his remarks at Onondaga Lake Park.

The pursuit of the TIGER grants is “very competitive,” the senator added.

TIGER grants were created in a transportation bill and they reward transportation improvements that would create jobs.

Onondaga County has laid out a “very strong message on how this would create a lot of jobs,” Schumer said.

The senator also noted that because of the lake’s improved condition, this year is Onondaga County’s best chance in “decades” to reach the goal, the pursuit of which dates back to 1928.

“When the lake was still polluted, when you couldn’t fish in it, when you couldn’t boat in it … nobody wanted to be near it. Now, everyone wants to be here,” Schumer said.

A completed trail system would help make Onondaga Lake a “recreational magnet” for residents and visitors, according to Schumer.

The senator explained that the Onondaga Lake multiuse trail project has been underway “for years” and is “critical” to expanding waterfront access and improving recreational opportunities in Central New York.

The entire trail project includes a 13-mile continuous bicycle and pedestrian trail system around Onondaga Lake.

When completed, the trail system will also connect to other regional trails, including the Erie Canal Trail and the Onondaga Creek Walk in Syracuse.

The project’s final phase is a 2.8 mile section of the trail located on southeastern shore of Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, near I-690, that remains unfinished.

The $10 million TIGER grant would target the work on the project’s final phase. Onondaga County would cover the rest of the cost, said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, who joined Schumer as he announced his plan to pursue the funding.

“The [Onondaga County] Legislature has been very supportive of this, and if we were to win this TIGER grant, [legislators] would be thrilled,” said Mahoney.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com