Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee announces awards

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has announced six new awards totaling approximately $1.05 million for beautification and improvement projects along the Buffalo and Erie County portion of the Greenway.

The following projects received funding:

√ Buffalo Lighthouse Association: South Buffalo Lighthouse Site stabilization project, $105,000

√ Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy: wayfinding and signage project phase 2, $420,000

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper: Expanding Blueway/Greenway connections through the Buffalo Niagara Blueway, $56,650

√ Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association: inclusive rowing on the Buffalo River, phase 2, $257,792

√ Cazenovia Community Resource Center Inc. (Sail-Buffalo Sailing School): sailing school classroom, $118,400

√ Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment: Alt Nature Trail and Alt Nature Center improvements, $95,000

“This Greenway funding is intended to preserve, enhance and develop the natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources in the Niagara River Greenway, which will benefit residents and visitors throughout Western New York,” said Chair Daniel Castle, appointed Erie County representative and commissioner for Erie County Department of Environment & Planning. “Enhancing parkland and improving public access to the waterfront are key elements of each of these projects.”

The committee receives funds from the New York Power Authority as part of the settlement agreement related to the 50-year federal license for the Niagara Power Project in 2007. During the term of the license, the Buffalo and Erie County Standing Committee will receive $2 million a year. The committee is composed of one representative each from Erie County, the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and NYPA.

Applicants had to meet a Jan. 23 deadline and present their project to the committee on Feb. 21.

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has awarded approximately $32 million since its first awards in 2008. More information on the committee can be found at http://bit.ly/1XA6mTo.