Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Standing Committee announces Greenway awards

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee announced five new awards totaling approximately $2 million for beautification and improvement projects along the Buffalo and Erie County portion of the Greenway.

The following projects received funding:

• Buffalo Lighthouse Association Inc.: South Buffalo Lighthouse Restoration & Reuse Project: $179,000
• Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy: Scajaquada Trail-phase 5 Delaware Park Rumsey Woods; phase 4 Construction: $150,000
• Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy: Wayfinding and signage project: $305,000
• City of Buffalo: Centennial Park Seawall Supplemental: $750,000
• County of Erie: Shoreline Trail Enhancement Project – phase one construction, phase 2 design: $500,000

“This Greenway funding will improve the regional system of trails and parks and encourage a better appreciation of our natural, cultural and historical resources,” said Chairman Thomas Hersey Jr., appointed Erie County representative and commissioner for Erie County Department of Environment & Planning. “In addition to enhancing Buffalo’s Greenway, this year’s awards will help the economic recovery of the region by injecting close to $2 million into construction and consulting services.”

Applicants had to meet a Jan. 21 deadline and present their project to the committee on Feb. 27.

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has awarded approximately $24 million since its first awards in 2008. More information on the committee can be found at: http://bit.ly/1XA6mTo.

The committee receives funds from New York Power Authority as part of the settlement agreement related to the 50-year federal license received by NYPA 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 from Erie County, the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and NYPA.