Waterfront
Brian has long believed in a simple formula for waterfront development: remove the barriers to public access and provide high-quality public space along the water’s edge, and economic growth and development will follow. In 2005 he led the charge to secure a $279 million hydropower relicensing settlement from the New York Power Authority, which is funding much of the work at the Inner Harbor, and fought for the creation of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, which is directing the improvements. The past several years have seen an unprecedented transformation at Canalside and the next several years promise equally stunning changes at the Outer Harbor, along Niagara Falls’ waterfront with the partial removal of the Robert Moses Parkway, and in the Tonawandas.
More on Waterfront
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of the Water Resources Development Act (S. 612) delivering support for projects enhancing local waterways, improving water infrastructure and rebuilding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District headquarters.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an estimated 1.5 million visitors spent time at Canalside this summer, up from approximately 1 million in 2015. In addition, the Outer Harbor saw nearly 250,000 visitors this summer. New and expanded food, music, games, exercise, history, relaxation, art and other activities were offered to attract more visitors to Buffalo’s waterfront.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) was joined by researchers from the Buffalo State Great Lakes Center to announce funding from New York Sea Grant to support an innovative study intended to identify the source impacting water quality in the area around Gallagher Pier on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.
With another waterfront summer season well underway and a record-breaking one million-plus visitors expected at Canalside this year, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan are applauding Erie Canal Harbor Development (ECHDC) action to expand ferry service between Buffalo’s Inner and Outer Harbors.
Congressman Higgins Files Formal Comments In Support of Plan for West River Greenway on Grand Island
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) filed formal comments with the New York State Parks Commissioner expressing support for the preferred alternative option for the West River Greenway Connector Trail project in the Town of Grand Island.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and New York State Senator Tim Kennedy announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has agreed to the Congressman’s request for a full and formal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to examine alternatives to the Buffalo Skyway.
“A comprehensive review of the Skyway positions this community to make the best decisions moving forward,” said Congressman Higgins.
“Buffalo’s Outer Harbor area has great potential to become a major attraction that would help change the city’s regional and national image from an old industrial center to a city of new and exciting possibilities. Changing the waterfront ownership is fundamental to this goal…”
~ New York State Assemblyman Brian Higgins in 2002
Buffalo NY - The transformation of Scajaquada Creek gains momentum with a new waterfront park project led by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust. On Monday September 28, representatives from both organizations were joined by Congressman Brian Higgins, Senator Marc Panepinto and local community groups at a ribbon cutting ceremony to commence their collaborative efforts to demolish a condemned building and create a publicly accessible waterfront park and paddle-sport launch at 1660 Niagara Street in Buffalo.