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Home > About BNE > Press Room > 2006 Archive > May > National Grid Presents Grant for Erie Canal Harbor

May 3, 2006

News from: Buffalo Urban Development Corp./Empire State Development/National Grid

National Grid Presents $250,000 Grant for Erie Canal Harbor Project

Funding represents initial private sector investment towrad re-development effort

Buffalo, NY - National Grid today presented a $250,000 grant to Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) and Empire State Development (ESD) for the Erie Canal Harbor Project through its Brownfield Redevelopment Grant Program. The funding, part of National Grid’s Economic Development Plan, represents the first private sector investment toward this project and will be used for enhanced site lighting and interpretive features.

“We are very impressed with the number, quality and commitment of the partners working to redevelop the Inner Harbor and we are delighted that our Brownfield Program could address an important need in moving this effort forward,” said Marilyn Higgins, National Grid Vice President, Economic Development.

The $49 million Erie Canal Harbor Project is administered by ESD in collaboration with its funding partners: the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA), the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The project will open the “front door” to Buffalo’s waterfront, the Central Business District, and the city’s emerging Cobblestone District.

"Governor Pataki and I welcome the support and participation of National Grid in the reconstruction of the Erie Canal Harbor," said Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano. "National Grid clearly recognizes the tremendous economic development benefits that Buffalo and all of Western New York will realize as a result of the completion of this project and their willingness to participate is another positive sign of the business friendly climate created by the Governor's policies and initiatives," the Chairman added. 

The project, which will develop the inner harbor site into a contemporary tourism destination that celebrates the site’s historic significance as well as establishes the area as a new maritime and entertainment center, includes construction of a series of landside improvements to connect existing pedestrian and bicycle path systems.

“The re-development of Buffalo’s Historic Inner Harbor will play a major role in attracting tourism and fostering economic vitality downtown,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “As Chairman of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, I’m pleased to welcome National Grid’s investment as an important catalyst in moving this project forward.”

The Inner Harbor reconstruction plan seeks to restore activity to the historic area by improving public access to the waterfront, enhancing intermodal transportation and creating an improved climate for economic development.

“We are pleased that National Grid, Empire State Development and Buffalo Urban Development Corporation are joining forces to provide additional enhancements to the public spaces at the Erie Canal Harbor. High quality public spaces are critical in attracting private investments from Bass Pro and others to our downtown waterfront,” said Anthony Gioia, Chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

In 2005, National Grid approved more than $2.8 million in grants for improvements in a variety of regional development projects through its Economic Development Plan, including Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park, CertainTeed Corp., Spaulding Fiber Redevelopment and Larkin at Exchange Building. The company’s program offers grants for capital investment, brownfield redevelopment assistance, shovel ready infrastructure and industrial building redevelopment.

"National Grid recognizes and honors the deep roots our industry has in Buffalo,” said Dennis Elsenbeck, National Grid Vice President, Business Services. “We believe that as this waterfront development unfolds, it will be a shining symbol of the new regional economy in Western New York. Just as our customers are transforming their businesses to compete and lead in the global market, we will, as a community, transform the shoreline of our city. We're pleased to be a part of this great effort.”

ECONWORKS is a regional news bureau administered by Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, a nonprofit, private business development and regional marketing organization launched by the local business community and dedicated to attracting capital investment and jobs to the region of Buffalo Niagara. To learn more about why “Life Works” in Buffalo Niagara, visit www.buffaloniagara.org.