$2 million in funding to help beautify greenway, support recreational and educational projects
The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee on Friday announced seven new awards totaling approximately $2 million for beautification and improvement projects along the Buffalo and Erie County greenway.
"Every one of the selected projects will bring a new opportunity for the public to access the waterfront, enjoy a trail or park facility, or better appreciate our local history or natural resources," said Chairman Alan J. Bozer, a trustee of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and a partner at Phillips Lytle LLP. "This funding benefits the entire Western New York region by supporting community efforts that call attention to the region's many assets."
The following new projects received funding:
- Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy: Delaware Park Rumsey Woods - phase five construction - $665,000
- City of Buffalo: LaSalle Park design and waterfront access implementation phase two - $500,000
- City of Tonawanda: Waterfront dock expansion project - $366,138
- Tifft Nature Preserve: Tifft Nature Preserve Visitor Center improvements - phase two east classroom interior - $315,225
- County of Erie: Shoreline trail enhancement project - $200,000
- Explore & More Children's Museum project - $120,000
- Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park: Circle of Heroes Memorial - $60,000
Learn
more about the projects.
Applicants had to meet a Jan. 22 deadline and present their project to the committee on Feb. 28.
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 receives $2 million a year. The committee is composed of one representative from Erie County, the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and NYPA.
The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has awarded approximately $20 million since its first awards in 2008. More information on the committee can be found at:
http://bit.ly/1XA6mTo.
Congressman Brian Higgins celebrated the $2 million in investments in Buffalo and Erie County. He said, "This action continues investments in Western New York's waterfront, public spaces and destinations, adding to our quality of life, promoting tourism and economic activity. I commend the work of the Niagara River Greenway Commission and the Erie County Standing Committee and look forward to seeing these projects advance with the support of this NYPA allocation."
