NYPA Press Release

BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY GREENWAY FUND STANDING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES GREENWAY AWARDS

BUFFALO—The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee today announced six new awards totaling approximately $1.9 million for beautification and improvement projects along the Buffalo and Erie County portion of the Greenway.

The following projects received funding:

1) Buffalo Lighthouse Association, Inc.: Lighthouse Safety and Access Project-$247,236
2) Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy: Delaware Park Point of the Meadow Shelter    
    Enhancement Project (construction)-$225,000
3) City of Buffalo: Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park-$400,000 (construction)
4) Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association, Inc.: Inclusive Rowing on the Buffalo River-$314,310
5) County of Erie: Erie County Greenway Parks-Signage Implementation-$165,000
6 ) County of Erie: Isle View Enhancement Project (construction)-$500,000

“This Greenway funding is intended to preserve, enhance and develop the natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources in the Niagara River Greenway, which will benefit residents and visitors throughout Western New York” said Chairman Daniel Castle, appointed Erie County representative and Commissioner for Erie County Dept. of Environment & Planning.  “Enhancing parkland and improving public access to the waterfront are key elements of each of these projects.”

The committee receives funds from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) 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 will receive $2 million a year. The committee is composed of one representative each from Erie County, the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and NYPA.

Applicants had to meet a January 24 deadline and present their project to the Committee on February 22. The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has awarded approximately $30.1 million since its first awards in 2008.  More information on the committee can be found at: http://bit.ly/1XA6mTo.

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NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.