
Governor Cuomo Announces Next Phase of Multi-Million Dollar Transformation Underway at Buffalo Harbor State Park
More Unprecedented Outdoor Access Planned Along Buffalo Harbor Waterfront
Renderings of the project available here , here and here
Governor Cuomo announced the start of construction work on the small boat
harbor breakwall and southern revetment, which is the next phase of the
multi-million dollar transformation of Buffalo Harbor State Park. The
$3.76 million breakwall and revetment redesign is phase two of the $15
million in improvements provided through the Governor‘s Buffalo
Billion and NY Parks 2020 initiatives to completely reinvigorate the Buffalo
Harbor waterfront.
“This is an important milestone in Buffalo’s revitalization,
one that will expand outdoor access to the waterfront and bring recreational
and investment opportunities to the region,
“said Governor Cuomo. “I am proud of the continued progress of this project, one of many
examples of a city on the move.”
The rehabilitated breakwall will be stabilized and include paved walking
and bike paths, shaded seating areas, the introduction of a fishing platform
and lighting. The southern revetment will also be rehabilitated and like
the breakwall, will be stabilized and feature increased fishing access.
The southern revetment is expected to be complete by summer 2016, and
the breakwall by fall 2016. View the newest improvements
here.
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said: “Parks and green spaces have a tremendous, unparalleled power to
enhance communities, and I thank Governor Cuomo for championing this new
park for the wonderful city of Buffalo and for all the exciting changes
yet to come.”
This year more than 107,000 people visited the state’s newest 190-acre
park and enjoyed $3 million in improvements already completed. These new
features include two open-air picnic pavilions that can host 100 people
in each pavilion, a nautically themed destination playground revered by
the community, new park furnishings including shaded seating, lighting,
improved fish cleaning station, landscaping, walkways and utility upgrades.
Congressman Brian Higgins said: “Last year’s opening of the first State park in the City of
Buffalo created a great new waterfront destination for Western New York
families. We were pleased to work closely with Governor Cuomo who understood
the value and long-term vision of transferring this property into the
capable hands of New York State Parks. This significant investment by
the State provides a huge boost to the momentum building on Buffalo’s
Outer Harbor and will give the public fantastic new opportunities to experience
Buffalo’s waterfront.”
Senator Tim Kennedy said: “Buffalo's waterfront continues to get better and better. The
word is getting out about Buffalo's greatest natural resource, and
New York State is doing its part to responsibly guide the Outer Harbor's
revitalization. From bike paths, to increased fishing, to improved lighting,
this next phase in the transformation of Buffalo Harbor State Park is
going to make a huge difference. I thank Governor Cuomo for his continued
dedication to Western New York, and I thank New York State Parks for their
excellent stewardship of this regional gem."
Senator Marc Panepinto said: "Buffalo's greatest natural asset continues to experience a transformation
like never before. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Governor Cuomo,
families will be able to enjoy recreational activities along our waterfront
year-round. I encourage all residents to get out and experience the results
of those efforts and all those still yet to come."
Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said: “I would like to congratulate Gov. Cuomo and WNY State Parks Dept.
on enhancing the recreational capabilities and park access for Western
New Yorkers. We love our waterfront and we love our green space, these
improvements will help promote exercise and healthy living while increasing
park utilization.”
Assemblyman Sean Ryan said: "Public access to the water is my top priority for waterfront development.
This project helps to achieve that goal, and will greatly expand the public's
ability to enjoy Buffalo's magnificent waterfront. I thank Governor
Cuomo for moving forward with this important investment. A revitalized
Outer Harbor, focused on public access, will be a catalyst for growth
in the new Buffalo. With the Queen City Bike Ferry now connecting Canalside
to the Outer Harbor, investing in public amenities at the Buffalo Harbor
State Park is a smart strategy, and I look forward to seeing the completed
project next year."
Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State is making a historic
commitment to improving and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The
Governor's NY Parks 2020 plan is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public
funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The Governor's 2015-16
Executive Budget allocates $110 million toward this initiative.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 62
million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks
generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000
jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit
www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.