Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo, Grand Island) announced a $323,550 grant award from the State Environmental Protection Fund’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper to revitalize the Niagara River Riverwalk. This is one of 64 grants awarded across Upstate New York, to be used for economic, environmental, community and recreational improvements. Hoyt said, “This grant funding will enhance the waterfront for the entire region. This award shows that Governor Paterson understands the importance of ‘Buffalo’s Other Waterfront’ and is dedicating the necessary resources to develop a revitalization action plan. As an ardent environmentalist and author of the legislation that created the Greenway Commission, connecting people to the waterfront – one of our region’s most important assets – is one of my highest priorities. This project will go far toward creating a beautiful, recreational array of destinations along the Niagara River." The grant will fund improvements at Bird Island Pier, Broderick Park, LaSalle Park, the former toll plaza site, the 1812 Naval Yard, and Rich Marina, as well as necessary staff and supplies to develop a Riverwalk revitalization action plan. The grant will also provide consultant services for the preparation of a feasibility study for the proposed Black Rock Canal Park at the site of the current Ontario Street Boat Launch. In addition, it will fund the development of a heritage interpretation plan that will provide guides and interpreters throughout the Riverwalk system. Hoyt concluded, “Waterfront development is important for both improving our access to Buffalo’s waterfront along the Niagara River and for promoting a superior quality of life through enhanced greenspaces, and I am pleased to help direct state resources to these important projects. This is an important start for many great waterfront improvements to come.”