Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday morning four major projects totaling $300 million in investments for Buffalo's waterfront.
Governor Hochul says these projects will help increase recreation, accessibility, boost economic development and build on the decades of progress that have been brought to the waterfront.
$10 million dollars will be going towards rebuilding Wilkeson Pointe.
"We all love it. It's a big attraction, but it doesn't quite have the amenities that it should have. This will be the real epicenter of activity down in our waterfront and we expect that to be completed," said Governor Hochul.
Wilkeson Pointe is going to have spaces for event programming, seating areas, new restaurants and more. Governor Hochul says she hopes to have this project completed before 2025.
In addition, Hochul announced $5.8 million will be funded for reworking the north end of the Bell Slip and improve landscaping in that section of the waterfront. The projected completion date for this will be in 2024.
$12.61 million dollars will be allocated to construct a multi-story Gateway Building built along the northern edge of the Main Canal and fronting the Commercial Street Bridge and Immigrant Steps. This building will be the first stop of all visitors provide tourists with information and consolidate waterfront operations.
Hochul then adds she would like to see more passenger cruise ships to Buffalo.
"We're gonna be bringing more freight passenger cruise ships to Buffalo. What a radical idea, what a radical idea and we're gonna get it done," said the governor.
The expedited funds received by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), totaling $54.2 million this year, will also help complete the feasibility study for the Buffalo Riverwalk, a study already in progress, expected to be completed in the fall.
The Buffalo Riverwalk will consist of a system of universally accessible and elevated walkways, fishing piers and dock level promenades along the Buffalo River and Kelly Island shoreline connecting Canalside and the Outer Harbor through a unique experience. The Buffalo Riverwalk concept is supported by the City of Buffalo and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, both of which have contributed funding toward this Study. Having already implemented the seasonal Queen City Bike Ferry and Ohio Street multi-use pathway, ECHDC will contribute $41,250 to close the gap on this $150,000 Feasibility Study.
$25 million will also be made available to Buffalo Harbor State Park, with the installation of a splash pad near the playground as well as expanding the playground itself.
In addition to these funds, more money and projects are coming for the Erie County Department of Transportation
See the player below for the full announcement from the Governor: