The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operations and maintenance of First Buffalo River Marina, located directly across from Canalside. Last year, around this same time, ECHDC issued an RFP for architectural/engineering design services for the marina.
“The First Buffalo River Marina is a gem on the Outer Harbor – a place of leisure and activity for boaters and those who utilize the site,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “While this is an exciting opportunity for an operator to be involved at this popular site, slip holders can be assured that there will be no changes this upcoming season.”
The 10-acre site includes:
- Approximately 2,000 square feet of water frontage
- A 115-slip boat marina
- Outdoor storage for approximately 300 boats
- A boat launch pad
- Administration building
- Approximately 150 spaces for trailer parking and/or public patrons
- A boat repair building
Knoxville-based Safe Harbor has been operator of the marina since January 2017. That contract expired at the end of the 2018 boating season. The site in question is located next to the Queen City Bike Ferry launch, which gives people direct access to the Outer Harbor, via water, from Canalside.
The operations agreement is expected to be signed prior to the 2019 boating season to ensure a seamless transition for boaters. In addition, the new marina operator will be required to assume all existing contracts at the marina and hold rates the same for the 2019 season. Proposals are due to ECHDC by 2 p.m. on February 7, 2019. The full RFP is available here.
Note: a free account is required on the NYS Contract Reporter website to download the RFP). A non-mandatory, pre-submittal site tour and meeting will be held at 3 p.m. on January 24, 2019 at the ECHDC offices at 95 Perry Street, Buffalo.
