In 1825 Governor DeWitt Clinton poured water from Lake Erie into the ocean at New York in a ceremony celebrating the “Marriage of the Waters” between Lake Erie and the Atlantic.
Today, Senator Hillary Clinton with a host of politicians and members of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, re-wed those waters to celebrate the progress this development has made.
“This was a 9-year, $53 million project,” Senator Charles Schumer said, “183 years ago, a Clinton ushered in the original canal in a wedding of the waters, and the terminus is again christened for the second time.”
He continued, “By reclaiming our past, we reopen our future. This is the second boon to the economy of Buffalo. Tourists will flock here because people can’t stay away from the water. Go forth and enjoy what you’ve created here. Let’s expand our successes and make Buffalo great again.”
Clinton began her speech, saying, “This was truly a labor of love. So many people have been committed to this vision.” She spoke of working with Representative Brian Higgins in gaining access to the lighthouse in the harbor and in proposing that the Coast Guard move, opening up the harbor to the public once again.
“As we wed the waters today, Buffalo must regain its position as a great American city,” Clinton said. “You’ve never been short on hard work or resolve, and it’s exciting to see the future so positively. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work toward a bright future. I’ll be your partner and advocate in all of these efforts,” she promised.
Mayor Byron Brown and Schumer praised the efforts of all of the present and past politicians and citizens who have helped this project come to light such as Jordan Levy, Jack Quinn, Tony Goia, Henry Nowak, Joel Giambra and Anthony Masiello. Mayor Brown also applauded Benderson Development Co., who will be the master developers of the waterfront, with mixed use buildings.
Most photos above by Glenn Murray, Esq.