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Tifft Street Pier, Industrial Heritage Trail and Lake Kirsty Dock improving waterfront public access and recreation opportunities
Congressman Brian Higgins was joined by New York State Department of Transportation Regional Director Darrell Kaminski to announce ongoing progress on more than $4.2 million in projects designed to improve public access and recreational opportunities along Buffalo's Outer Harbor.
"A lot of attention, rightly, is focused on the great destination we have at Canalside, but simultaneously we are seeing a grand evolution along the Outer Harbor as well," Higgins said. "Three years ago, most people couldn't even find the Outer Harbor or find a reason to come here. Today there are many reasons to visit, ranging from bike paths to fishing piers, nature preserves and Buffalo's historic lighthouse."
DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald said, "These projects, as part of a comprehensive set of transportation improvements along Buffalo's Outer Harbor, will provide additional recreational opportunities and help boost local economic activity. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has shown his commitment to bolstering community renewal through infrastructure improvements such as these."
The latest projects currently under construction and recently completed include:
Tifft Street Pier
Industrial Heritage Trail
Lake Kirsty Pier
Work on the three projects is being conducted by Niagara Falls contractor Mark Cerrone Inc., and administered by the DOT. The projects are among several "node" or pocket park projects planned for during the design phase on the Fuhrmann Boulevard/Outer Harbor Parkway reconstruction.
Higgins pointed out the projects are among a number of improvements along the Outer Harbor and Buffalo River, which have taken place over the last three years totaling $124 million in investments.
Project |
Completion Date |
Funding Source |
Cost |
Summer 2010 |
Federal, State & Local |
$62,700,000 | |
October 2011 |
Federal, State, County, City |
$9,000,000 | |
October 2011 |
Federal |
$6,100,000 | |
May 2012 |
Federal |
$1,400,000 | |
Summer 2012 |
NYPA Funding |
$24,000,000 | |
Fall 2012 |
Federal (Recovery Act) |
$2,000,000 | |
May 2013 |
NYPA Relicensing Proceeds |
$3,300,000 | |
Industrial Heritage Trail, Tifft Street Pier & Lake Kirsty Pier |
Ongoing |
Federal |
$4,200,000 |
Begins Fall 2013 |
Federal & City |
$11,300,000 | |
Total |
$124,000,000 |