Congressman Higgins Announces $2 Million Project Underway Along Outer Harbor

Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced ongoing work along the Outer Harbor's Union Ship Canal funded with $2 million in federal funding provided through the Recovery Act.

"We continue to build, one project after another, on the great progress along Buffalo's waterfront," said Congressman Higgins. "With this $2 million federal investment in Western New York we are supporting jobs during the current construction phase and continuing to make this area, once economically dead, economically viable again."

The Union Ship Canal Promenade project is one of several "node" projects adjacent to the recently completed Outer Harbor Parkway and is scheduled for completion next summer.

The work includes improvements to the western end of Union Ship Canal, at the foot of Fuhrmann Boulevard, including: a boardwalk and promenade with benches, architectural lighting, fish cleaning tables, a kayak launch for access to the water, fishing public access with very close parking, signage and raised lettering informational displays.

This federal project complements a separate project by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) providing remediation work at the site encompassing ecological restoration, canal wall stabilization, land improvements, debris removal and public green space.

Other node projects adjacent to the Outer Harbor Parkway include:

· Tifft Street Node: A trail along and extending across the water under construction next year.

· Lake Kristy Pier Node: Located in the Tifft Nature Preserve foreground, construction will begin following federal permit approval.

· Gallagher and Times Beach Nodes: $1.403 million for boardwalk enhancements taking place at Times Beach this year and Gallagher Beach next year.

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