BUFFALO, N.Y. — More of our federal tax dollars are coming back to us in the form of a $10 million package that has the purpose of waterfront revitalization and green energy transit.
With a Buffalo River waterfront setting, the Congressional trio for Western New York explained how federal funds could help accomplish a transportation transformation as Senator Schumer liked to put it.
Of course, about $900,000 of it will be for pedestrian, bike transportation and with that money earmarked to start planning and some initial construction for the Riverline project. That's the riverside trail that people could use for recreation and eventually access to the downtown.
The Riverline trail will actually follow about one point five miles of the old now abandoned railroad corridor that used to bring workers into downtown Buffalo.
Jeffry Lebsack is the director of the Riverline project and is pleased with that initial support from federal sources.
"Once it is built the Riverline will be a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect with each other, with nature, and the waterfront. It'll be an inspiring community gathering place alive with the history and voice of the surrounding Old First Ward, Perry, and Valley communities."
And to provide greater access for walkers or Metro Rail riders, funds will include more Riverwalk improvements and a new $2 Million dollar connection in the form of a pedestrian bridge between the DL & W warehouse and the Keybank arena. Perhaps that could spur some development in the second-floor terminal space. US Senator Chuck Schumer says, "The folks who will ride MetroRail will one day be able to go from the train directly to Sabres games, Bandits games and concerts without having to brave the elements."
And when asked about any potential terminal development Mayor Brown replied "Public sector investments oftentimes stimulate private sector investment."
Last but certainly not least. over $6 million will go to the NFTA to buy new electric buses and new electric re-charging equipment for them. It will also help cover upkeep facilities and general maintenance of the current 323 buses in the agency's fleet.