By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Governor Pataki announced more than $10 million in grants for Western New York communities. Nearly $1 million will be provided to Buffalo for the creation of an eight-and-a-half mile bike/pedestrian trail along the waterfront.
The funding will allow the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to construct a trail that will link the area's waterfront from Gallagher Beach to the Small Boat Harbor. The trail will connect various points of interests including the Erie Basin Marina, HSBC Arena and Tifft Farm. Governor Pataki says this type of funding supports tourism, pedestrian safety and promotes new economic growth.
"This is very positive as we look to bring people and revitalize the inner harbor," Pataki said.
The NFTA says the nearly $1 million grant will make the project a reality. Executive Director Lawrence Meckler says the authority will now be able to begin the "design process" for the waterfront trail. "The most important thing is public access -- to get the public down here," Meckler said. "To have an 8.5 mile path along the waterfront is going to be excellent and definitely aids in economic development. So we are excited."
Meckler says once the design process is established, construction should begin by early next year. He says he believes a good part of trail will be completed by 2003. The total project is expect to cost $1.7 million dollars.
Pataki said grant dollars will also be provided to additional Western New York projects in Lockport, Tonawanda, Evans, Chautauqua and Grand Island. Another $6.2 million in grants will help for housing rehabilitation projects in six communities.