$10 Million Approved for Projects to Connect Downtown Buffalo to Waterfront, Improve Infrastructure

$10 million in federal funding will go to transform transportation in Buffalo and help connect currently isolated portions of the downtown to the waterfront through a new greenway, expanded bicycle and walking access, and increased electric bus infrastructure.

“This is BIG news for Buffalo and will revolutionize the waterfront, opening up economic potential and tapping into one of Western New York’s greatest gems: Lake Erie. Thanks to the funding we secured, Buffalo’s downtown and waterfront will finally be connected, bike paths expanded, greenways will bloom, and electric vehicle infrastructure will make the city cleaner than ever before,” says Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. “This federal investment will help a long held community dream to make the city more vibrant, walkable, and accessible to all neighborhoods finally become a reality. I am proud to deliver this over $10 million investment to lay the foundation for a greener future for Buffalo and Western New York.”

In addition to increasing access to the waterfront and connecting portions of the downtown, the projects will help create jobs and expand low or non-emission transportation options. 

“This is substantial funding that moves The Riverline project, led by the Western New York Land Conservancy, into the construction phase,” adds U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins.  “With more than $10 million in federal investment, we continue Buffalo’s waterfront momentum with new connections and vibrant public destinations between the Buffalo River corridor and the Old First Ward, Valley and Perry neighborhoods. These projects combined with others planned at Canalside, Masten Park, Broadway, Larkinville, Tifft & Louisiana Streets build exciting synergy for the people and economy of Western New York.”

$900,000 will go to help expand the Riverline Project which will transform an unused 1.5-mile long, 40-acre railroad corridor into a greenway connecting Buffalo’s downtown and waterfront. An additional $1,760,000 will be used for NFTA electric bus charging infrastructure, $4,844,000 to revamp the existing bus fleet of the NFTA, $2,000,000 for the NFTA DL&W Station Skybridge, and a final $1,000,000 for NFTA riverwalk improvements.

To learn more, visit higgins.house.gov.