Press Release: NYS, March 4, 2004

Fulfilling a commitment he made in his 2003 State of the State address, Governor George E. Pataki today announced the official transfer of the former Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Small Boat Harbor property along Lake Erie in downtown Buffalo, to the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish a State park at the site. State Parks is developing the property as the Buffalo Harbor State Park and Marina.

"The acquisition of the land that will serve as the site of the new Buffalo Harbor State Park and Marina continues our successful efforts to expand our State Park system and provide new and improved recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers," Governor Pataki said. "This new State park is one of five that will be opening in the next two years and we have set an ambitious goal of opening or expanding an additional 20 State parks within the next five years.

"Plans to enhance this property with capital improvements and patron amenities for the coming seasons underscore our long-term investment in both the future of this site and quality of life in the Buffalo region," Governor Pataki said. "This acquisition will allow us to continue working with the community to revitalize the Outer Harbor and open up the lakefront for western New Yorkers."

The property was acquired by State Parks from NFTA for $4 million through the State's Environmental Protection Fund. This payment ensures that the transfer of property and loss of revenue from the Small Boat Harbor to the NFTA will have no impact on transit fares.

Governor Pataki also thanked NFTA Chairman Luiz Kahl and the NFTA Board of Directors for their stewardship of this property and their support in making this State park a reality for the people of Buffalo.

The site includes more than 80 acres of shorefront, underwater lands, a 1,024-slip marina and restaurant. Immediate plans for the property in the 2004 season include the addition of landscaped greenspace, picnic areas, a redesigned entrance and a playground. Also being constructed for the following season is the installation of a "sprayground" water play facility. The sprayground is designed for families and children and features a computer-operated series of intermittent spray units. NFTA will also be constructing a bikeway along the waterfront that will connect nearby waterfront properties.

"This is a homerun!" said Anthony Masiello, Mayor of the City of Buffalo. "This acquisition marks continued investment in our greatest resource, the waterfront. Everyday the dream comes closer to reality."

Luiz F. Kahl, NFTA Chairman said, "The NFTA is proud of its recent accomplishments in refurbishing Gallagher Beach, and developing the marina into the largest in New York State. As we move forward, we are firmly committed to working with the Governor, State Parks and all stakeholders, to transition the outer harbor into a dynamic area that our community can enjoy and point to with pride for generations to come."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "State Parks' $4 million acquisition of NFTA's Small Boat Harbor is just the first step in fulfilling the Governor's goal to develop this property into parkland. With our additional commitment for improvements, patrons will experience a refurbished and revitalized outdoor destination. These ongoing, multi-million dollar capital improvements to the new Buffalo Harbor State Park and Marina will transform the waterfront into a premier recreational site for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the area."

Since 1995, the Governor has invested more than $484 million to acquire and protect more than 500,000 acres of valuable open space throughout the state. During that time, the Governor has opened 18 new state parks across New York, including Woodlawn Beach State Park, south of Buffalo, which offers a public swimming beach and nature center along Lake Erie.

The planned Buffalo Harbor State Park and Marina is one of five new State parks slated to open over the next two years. In addition, the Governor, in his State of the State address in January, laid out an ambitious goal to open or expand 20 additional State Parks over the next five years.