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TOWN OF ORCHARD PARK ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT S$ 4295 South Buffalo Street Orchard Park, New York 14127-2609 (7/6) 662-6425 TOWN ENGINEER Phone: CFM WAYNE L. BIELER,P.E., Email: [email protected] February 27, 2026 Honorable Town Board Town of Orchard Park 4295 South Buffalo Street Orchard Park, New York 14127 Re: New York State Department of Transportation TAP Application Grant Approval Highmark Stadium Pedestrian Safety and Community Connectivity Project Dear Board Members: As directed by the Town Board, a connectivity plan from the Community Activity and adjacent residential areas to Highmark Stadium has been developed. Town Board authorization is required to submit a grant application to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for funding under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The Transportation Alternatives Program provides critical funding assistance to municipalities seeking to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, enhance community connectivity, increase public safety, and reduce reliance on vehicular travel. This program represents a valuable opportunity for the Town of Orchard Park to advance long-term mobility and quality-of-life improvements for our residents. The Engineering Department has prepared a conceptual Walking and Biking Trail Plan designed to interconnect several key destinations within the Town, including residential neighborhoods, the Orchard Park Community Activity Center, and the new ‘Highmark Stadium facility. The proposed trail network would consist of a multi-use walking path, with potential boardwalk sections through environmentally sensitive or scenic areas, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to safely and comfortably travel across Town-owned property while enjoying natural amenities. This could improve Recreation and Senior program access as well as provide a potential family oriented parking option for Stadium events. This project aligns directly with the TAP program’s goals of improving pedestrian safety, expanding non-motorized transportation options, strengthening community connectivity, and reducing vehicle traffic congestion—particularly during peak periods associated with the stadium and community facilities’ events. The preliminary project cost estimate is $2,934,494. Under the TAP program's 80/20 funding Town’s website at www.or isit e the Fowa chardparkny.gov S:\Town Projects\2026 avisifth sw TB 2026 TAP application.doc P 9