Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) commended unanimous approval by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Board providing $1,990,245 in New York Power Authority (NYPA) relicensing settlement agreement funds toward continued progress on the project to construct the Buffalo Harbor Bridge.

“Today’s action by the board brings us another step closer toward realizing the full economic potential of Buffalo’s Outer Harbor,” said Congressman Higgins.  “A great deal of work goes on every day to make our waterfront a unique, attractive place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.  This bridge is one in a series of projects we are continuing to fight for that will provide jobs and opportunity right here in Western New York.”

On October 15 Congressman Higgins and ECHDC Chair Jordan Levy announced support for $5 million in NYPA settlement funds toward the Harbor Bridge project.  Today the ECHDC board formally approved the transfer of nearly $2 million of that $5 million necessary to work toward the goal of a Record of Decision on the Harbor Bridge project. A Record of Decision is effectively final approval to proceed on design construction.

The Buffalo Harbor Bridge project would provide a low-level moveable bridge such as a bascule or lift bridge to link downtown Buffalo to the new Outer Harbor Parkway.   There are two proposed crossings under review, at either Erie or Main Street, with 10 sub-alternatives within those sites.  This new multi-modal bridge that accommodates pedestrian, bicyclists, and motorized traffic will turn what is now a 4 mile circuitous route into a 600-foot route across the Buffalo River.

In 2007 $1.6 million in federal highway funds, designated by the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council, along with a $400,000 match from Empire State Development was provided to start the first phase of the project, which consisted of an environmental study and preliminary engineering work.