For Immediate Release

November 26, 2003

Washington, DC - Rep. Gene Green (D-Houston) announced today that he secured $700,000 for the Trust for Public Land to preserve the Buffalo Bend property, located along the Buffalo Bayou, for public open space.  Green secured the funding in the fiscal year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Act through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection program.

 

            “The Buffalo Bayou has been a symbol of Houston’s rich history and traditions since the Allen brothers founded our great city in 1836,” Green said.  “The Trust for Public Land’s acquisition of the Buffalo Bend property will complement the successful efforts already underway to preserve the Buffalo Bayou as a historical and recreational resource for all Houstonians.”

 

             Buffalo Bend is comprised of ten acres along the south bank of the Buffalo Bayou in Houston, Texas.  The land is within eyesight of Houston’s Hidalgo Park. The acquisition and conservation of the Buffalo Bend is part of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s master plan for the Bayou and would allow for the restoration of wetland habitats along the Bayou.  This restoration would increase wildlife habitats and improve water quality along the Buffalo Bayou. 

 

             “The Trust for Public Land applauds the leadership of Congressman Green in securing funding for the Buffalo Bend project,” said Linda Shead, Director of the Houston-Galveston Office of the Trust for Public Land.  “This project will provide green space for the residents of Houston's East End and enhance the historic Buffalo Bayou.  It helps address the great need for open space in our urban areas, providing economic, environmental, and community health benefits.”

 

             “Adults and children alike will have a great chance to enjoy the Bayou from the Buffalo Bend site, which sits minutes from the city’s hike and bike trails and will provide Houstonians with a wonderful setting for open space and recreational opportunities such as birding, kayaking and canoeing along the Bayou,” Green added. 

 

            The funding Green secured represents approximately fifty percent for a federal match of funds necessary to purchase the Buffalo Bend property.  Harris County, Precinct 2 has pledged to provide the balance.

 

            For more information, please contact Linda Shead, with the Houston-Galveston Office of the Trust for Public Land.  She can be reached at (713) 703-1123.

 

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