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Secretary of State Rodriguez approves Village of Lewiston's updated Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

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Mon, Mar 14th 2022 01:10 pm

LWRP creates renewed vision for village waterfront, while identifying 20 projects to enhance waterfront, protect water & improve public access

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez on Monday announced his approval of the updated Village of Lewiston Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), which provides a renewed step-by-step process to advance the village’s waterfront planning from vision to implementation. Lewiston’s updated LWRP was prepared in partnership with the Department of State and supported by $20,250 in grant funding from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and assistance by technical experts in water quality, community and economic development, and resilience.

Rodriguez’s team said, “The LWRP is a comprehensive, realistic program for the beneficial use, revitalization and protection of the village’s valuable waterfront resources along the Niagara River. It also reflects the village’s goal to strengthen its physical connection to the waterfront, enhance public recreational opportunities, and build resiliency for community assets while balancing sustainable economic growth.

“The LWRP proposes 20 projects of differing complexity that the village intends to implement over the next decade to achieve its renewed waterfront vision. The proposed projects address nonpoint source pollution to protect water quality, propose enhanced public access to the waterfront to improve tourism opportunities and promote economic revitalization, and provide for increased recreational opportunities within the waterfront. Through partnerships with property owners, business owners, and other stakeholders, the village will continue to sustainably build on its waterfront assets.”

Rodriguez said, “A vibrant waterfront can be a community’s greatest natural, recreational and economic asset, but only if it is planned, developed and protected properly. Lewiston’s updated LWRP demonstrates a real, holistic commitment to responsible waterfront revitalization and stewardship. A vibrant waterfront brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and incomes, which often sparks greater community revitalization, pride and a sense of place. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with the village in implementing the vision and the projects contained in this community-based plan.”

The Village of Lewiston LWRP was adopted by the Village Board on Aug. 16, 2021.The development of the LWRP amendment included input from an advisory committee and the public during the development of the draft LWRP to guide the consultant and provide feedback on drafts.

The Lewiston LWRP may be found here.

Village of Lewiston Mayor Anne Welch said, “The Village of Lewiston covers approximately one square mile along the Lower Niagara River with a beautiful waterfront park, boat-launching facilities, residential boat slips and other amenities that allow picnicking, pleasure and commercial boating, and world-class fishing. It is also home to the Whirlpool Jet Boat and the Artpark Performing Arts Center. These attractions alone draw thousands of visitors and residents every year. Lewiston also has a vibrant and walkable commercial area, many historic buildings and sites, recreational parks, and bike trails. Adopting the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program will serve as a guideline and will further advance our goals to protect, promote and enhance our waterfront, business district, historic district, parks and recreation.”

The Department of State’s LWRP, funded under Title 11 of the EPF, provides matching grants on a competitive basis to eligible villages, towns, cities and counties located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways for planning, design and construction projects to revitalize communities and waterfronts. The DOS Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure works in partnership with waterfront communities across the state through the LWRP, focusing on protecting natural and cultural resources, expanding public access opportunities and strengthening the local economy. This program helps communities breathe new life into their underused waterfront assets in ways that ensure successful and sustainable revitalization.

To learn more about the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, click here.

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