Buffalo & Erie County Greenway Standing Committee announces awards

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee announced six 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 & Erie Co. Naval & Military Park: Master plan phase 2 and 5 walkway and bus stop/entry improvements; and USS The Sullivans “Save the Sullivans” campaign emergency repair: $80,000

•Buffalo Heritage Carousel Inc.: $264,820

•Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy: Prospect Park pathways and furnishings project: $500,000

•Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association: Adaptive rowing on the Buffalo River phase 1 design: $61,000

•County of Erie: Shoreline trail enhancement project – phase 2 design: $315,000

•Sail-Buffalo Sailing School: 2021 capital improvements to Sail-Buffalo Sailing School: $31,400

Applicants had to meet a Jan. 19 deadline and present their project to on Feb. 23.

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.

“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. “Enhancing Buffalo’s Greenway is also a key element of the supported projects, and residents and visitors throughout Western New York will benefit from these upgrades and additions.”

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has awarded approximately $26 million since its first awards in 2008. For more, visit http://bit.ly/1XA6mTo.