Plans to return cars to Main Street downtown has gotten a big federal boost. $15 million dollars in federal funding for is being provided through the US Department of Transportation’s FY 2011 National Infrastructure Investments or TIGER III Discretionary Grants Program.
Local officials had requested $32 million in federal funding for the Main Street work. The new award, along with money from the state, is expected to allow work on the 500 block and/or in the Canal Side area to proceed.
“This is a huge victory for economic development in Buffalo and Western New York,” said Congressman Brian Higgins, who has been advocating for federal investments in infrastructure over the last several weeks. “We have seen the difference it can make, as evidenced by the new activity after the reopening of the 700 block to two-way traffic. This funding will upgrade transit and pedestrian amenities, enhance downtown traffic circulation and improve access to Main Street buildings, breathing new life into an area desperate for the focus that our urban core deserves.”
Approved by the Federal Transit Agency, the Cars on Main Street project has received both federal and state funding due to the vital importance of the project to the City of Buffalo. The 700 Block of Main Street was reopened in 2009 and the 600 Block of Main Street is scheduled for construction next year (rendering right).
“Thanks to this critical federal investment, The Main Street Revitalization Project in Buffalo will breathe new life into its downtown,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.
Automobiles were removed from Main Street over 25 years ago when the light rail Metro Rail system was built.
“Buffalo receiving a $15 million federal grant for the city’s ‘Cars Sharing Main Street’ project is great news,” added Mayor Byron W. Brown.