PRESS RELEASE
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) celebrated $2 million in investments in Buffalo & Erie County Greenway projects made possible through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
Higgins said, “This action continues investments in Western New York’s waterfront, public spaces and destinations, adding to our quality of life, promoting tourism and economic activity. I commend the work of the Niagara River Greenway Commission and the Erie County Standing Committee and look forward to seeing these projects advance with the support of this NYPA allocation.”
Included in the federal relicensing agreement, which Congressman Higgins fought for on behalf of Western New York, is a $2 million annual allocation, beginning in 2007 and continuing for 50 years, from the New York Power Authority to support Buffalo & Erie County Greenway projects. The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee, which reviews applications and selects recipients, is comprised of Erie County, the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy and the New York Power Authority. The Committee met the morning of March 23 to select this year’s recipients.
Awardees include:
- Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park
- Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy – Delaware Park Rumsey Woods Project
- City of Buffalo – LaSalle Park Design & Waterfront Access Phase 2
- City of Tonawanda – Waterfront Dock Expansion
- County of Erie – Shoreline Trail Enhancement Project
- Explore & More Children’s Museum
- Tifft Nature Preserve – Visitor Center Improvements Phase 2
Over the last 10 years the committee has supported 65 projects. Examples of projects previously supported by the Greenway Commission include: Buffalo River Fest Park, Tifft Street Pier, Fisherman’s Landing in Grand Island, a Park Pavilion in the City of Tonawanda, LaSalle Park improvements and the Cotter Fireboat.
