BUFFALO, NY-- More transformation is coming to Buffalo's waterfront.
The state announced Tuesday a $24 million investment to support new projects in an effort to attract more visitors and new recreation for residents.
The projects include:
-North Aud Block: a $10 million investment to complete this historic street grid and set the site for future development of the North Aud Block;
-1825 Packet Boat: a $4 million commitment to construct a new facility to build a replica 1825 packet boat at Canalside; and
-Buffalo Blueway: a $10 million investment to create a network of public access points along the waterways of Buffalo.
"The success of Buffalo's waterfront is evident year-round, with hundreds of thousands of visitors experiencing Canalside and enjoying local restaurants and businesses in the surrounding area," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a released statement. "These new projects will leverage Buffalo's natural beauty, tap into the rich culture and history the region has to offer, and expand opportunities for residents and visitors to access the Historic Erie Canal for generations to come."
Of the $24 million, $10 million will be used to transform the North Aud Block, where the Memorial Auditorium once stood. The plan will include walkable streets and underground parking.
Another part of the project will include a replica 1825 Packet Boat that will be built at Canalside. This project will cost about $4 million. The 4,000 square foot facility will be used year-round and will live at the Commercial Slip at Canalside. Once completed, people will enjoy rides, tours, dinners, and lectures.
Ten million dollars in Buffalo Billion 2 funds will be used to create a network of public access points along the waterways. Buffalo Niagara Water keeper will over see this project that has been called the "Buffalo Blueway".
Proposed projects of the Buffalo Blueway:
• RiverWorks - An existing site where enhancements are partially completed. A new, universally accessible floating dock has been installed. Additional enhancements also planned include a Blueway marker, informational signage, possible paddle craft storage, or other amenities to be installed in Fall 2018 or Spring 2019.
• NYSDEC Ohio Street Boat Launch and Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association - These two adjacent sites will be redesigned to create a newly improved and enhanced access point to the water. Scale and scope to be determined in 2019 with landowner and community input. Design expected to commence in 2018 with targeted construction in 2019.
• Union Ship Canal - An existing site proposed to benefit from site enhancements including, but not limited to, a Blueway marker, informational signage, possible paddle craft storage, or other amenities to be installed in Fall 2018 or Spring 2019. This site may also include parking lot and transportation infrastructure improvements during the 2019 construction season.
• Red Jacket Park - Potential new water access site, scale and scope to be determined by Erie County in 2019 with community input. Coordinating efforts with Erie County as part of comprehensive park improvements. Design targeted for mid-2019, construction targeted for 2020.
• Buffalo Color - Potential new water access site. Large-scale project will commence design in 2018 with targeted construction in 2019.
• Mungovan Park - Potential new water access site, scale and scope to be determined by the City of Buffalo and surrounding community. Design targeted to commence in 2019, construction targeted for 2020.
• Seneca Bluffs - Potential new water access site, scale and scope to be determined by Erie County in 2019 with community input. Coordinating efforts with Erie County as part of comprehensive park improvements. Design targeted to commence in 2019, construction targeted for 2020.
• LaSalle Park - Potential new water access site, scale and scope to be determined in 2019 with community input. Coordinating efforts with City of Buffalo and dependent upon comprehensive park rehabilitation. Planning begins Fall 2018, design targeted for 2019, construction currently targeted for 2020-2021.
• Erie Basin Marina, Canalside, Wilkenson Point, Mutual Riverfront Park and Harlem Road Boat Launch - Existing sites proposed to benefit from enhancements including, but not limited to, a Blueway marker, informational signage, possible paddle craft storage, or other amenities to be installed in Fall 2018 or Spring 2019.