Environment DEC
From the October 2004 issue
Governor Pataki, Congressman Quinn Announce Buffalo Waterfront Project Grant
Governor George E. Pataki and Congressman Jack Quinn recently announced a $350,000 federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to Erie County for a park development project in downtown Buffalo. The grant will support the second phase of restoring public access to Times Beach-a former brownfield that has been identified as a centerpiece for the revitalization of Buffalo and Erie County's waterfront and is considered to be one of the best birding areas in the northeastern United States.
"Today's announcement continues our unprecedented commitment to expanding recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and opening up the downtown Buffalo waterfront for outdoor enthusiasts," Governor Pataki said. "Enhancing this urban nature preserve along Lake Erie will allow the people of western New York to enjoy the region's unique ecological resources and take part in hiking, bird watching and other environmentally friendly leisure activities. We're proud to work with Congressman Quinn to use the Land and Water Conservation Fund to help improve the quality of life in western New York and throughout the state."
The Site: Past, Present, Future
The area is a popular migratory
resting place for snowy egrets
(Photo courtesy of USFWS)
The 50-acre property is a former disposal facility that was operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 30 years ago. Since then, significant varieties of wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic habitats have occupied the site, creating a nature sanctuary. In 1991, the City of Buffalo designated the site as a nature preserve to be used as a natural and educational public resource. While the site is popular among local and national ornithologists, botanists, wildlife biologists and amateur naturalists, there is limited public access to the property.
The LWCF grant will support the creation of a natural area, interpretive signage and a more comprehensive system of interconnected trails that will enhance public access to the site and support passive recreation activities and educational programs. Times Beach is near the 300-acre Tifft Nature Preserve, offering a natural wildlife corridor among the two sites and drawing thousands of visitors to the region. In addition, plans for the region include linking the proposed system of trails to the Buffalo Outer Harbor Recreation Area in the future.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Created in 1964, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund shares the revenues from coastal non-renewable resources with state and local governments for the establishment of permanent recreational facilities. Since the fund's inception nearly four decades ago, more than $200 million has been invested for 1,100 local and state projects across New York State.
Stateside funding was eliminated in 1996, but in 1998, Governor Pataki created the Empire State Task Force for LWCF to increase public awareness and to support congressional efforts to reestablish stateside funding. Since 2000, LWCF supported grants of $7.7 million to 47 municipalities and another $9.7 million for 36 state parks projects.
