NYPA: More than $2.6 million for Buffalo & Erie County beautification & improvement projects

Greenway Fund Standing Committee approves 6 projects in Western New York

New York Power Authority press release

The New York Power Authority announced more than $2.6 million in awards for six beautification and improvement projects along the Buffalo and Erie County portions of the Niagara River Greenway – a linear system of state and local parks and conservation areas linked by a network of multiuse trails. The funding awards were approved by the Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee and support Western New York communities as outlined by the relicensing agreement for the continued operation of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project, New York state’s largest electricity producer.

The following projects received funding:

•The Buffalo Lighthouse Association received $175,000 to replace its roof and support ongoing repairs addressing damage from severe weather events. The funding will help the corporation preserve the historic lighthouse structures of Buffalo Harbor.

•Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper was awarded $324,094 to support ongoing efforts to create and upgrade public water access sites along the Buffalo River and Outer Harbor. The funding will support the installation of 15 markers that identify designated public access points, helping visitors and residents safely enjoy the waterfront.

•The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy was allocated $985,000 to support the ongoing South Park Clubhouse enhancement project. The funding will make the facility ADA accessible and support the reconstruction and restoration of the great room that sustained fire and water damage.

•Erie County received $450,000 for the Isle View Park enhancement project to improve transportation infrastructure and strengthen vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist access to the park.

•Erie County was also awarded $350,000 for the Two Mile Creek and Sherwood Trail Renovation Project. The funding will support the design and construction of the repairs to the Two Mile Creek Trail and Sherwood Greenway Trail. The trails connect the Town and City of Tonawanda to the waterfront and the Shoreline Trail regional mutiuse trail system.

•The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority received $323,034 for capital improvements that will enhance bicycle and pedestrian access to the DL&W station.

Greenway Committee Chair, Erie County Representative and Erie County Department of Environment and Planning Commissioner Daniel Castle said, “This Greenway funding advances our ongoing commitment to preserving and improving the Niagara River Greenway’s unique natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources. These investments will expand opportunities for the public to enjoy our waterfront and create meaningful, long-term benefits for communities and visitors throughout Western New York.”

The Standing Committee receives funds from the New York Power Authority as part of the settlement agreement associated with the 50-year federal license for the Niagara Power Project. During the term of the license, the committee receives $2 million a year. The committee is composed of one representative from Erie County, the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the NYPA. Another $7 million in annual funding is distributed through three other standing committees to support the Niagara River Greenway. Over the course of the 50-year agreement, NYPA will provide more than $1 billion to Western New York communities.

Applicants had to meet a Jan. 20 deadline and present their project to the group on Feb. 18. The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has awarded approximately $35 million to over 116 projects since its first awards in 2008. More information on the committee can be found on the Power Authority’s website.

More about NYPA: The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean, renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information, visit or follow on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Substack.