Press Release: NYS, October 26, 2000

Governor George E. Pataki, Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra and Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello today commemorated the 175th Anniversary of the official opening of the Erie Canal in Buffalo by unveiling an improved plan to rehabilitate the historic Erie Canal commercial slip as part of the Buffalo Inner Harbor revitalization.

"This revised plan will capitalize on Erie Canal's worldwide appeal as a cultural and historic attraction, as well as revitalize the Buffalo Inner Harbor's maritime operations," Governor Pataki said. "This date 175 years ago was arguably the most important date in Buffalo's storied history. It is only fitting that on this historic occasion we announce our commitment to embrace the future without letting go of the past."

The revised plan, the result of a three-month review of the Buffalo Inner Harbor Project plan by state, local and federal officials, calls for re-watering the historic commercial slip and re-establishing the location of a portion of the historic central wharf along the Buffalo River. The project's essential goals to provide berths to accommodate commercial passenger vessels and public access to the waterfront with a new plaza and the Veteran's Memorial Park remain intact.

The State will commit $4.5 million to cover the additional $8.5 million for the improved plan, with the county and city each contributing $2 million.

County Executive Giambra said, "Governor Pataki understands both the economic potential and the historical significance of Buffalo's unique Erie Canal heritage. It took a visionary governor to create the Erie Canal almost two centuries ago; Governor Pataki's commitment to this dynamic restoration of the Commercial Slip and the Buffalo Canal District is nothing short of visionary. I'm proud that we share a commitment to our future as an international heritage tourism destination."

Mayor Masiello said, "Today's announcement signifies the ability of partners from the state, city and county to reach consensus on the critically important Inner Harbor Project. Thanks to the commitment of Governor Pataki and the cooperation of Joel Giambra, we can now move forward with a revised project design that will celebrate the legacy of the Erie Canal and its profound impact on the City of Buffalo. One generation opened the Western Terminus of the Erie Canal in Buffalo and another generation buried it. Today, our generation commits itself to reopening this remarkable landmark so future generations may enjoy it, celebrate it and benefit from its revitalization."

Empire State Development Corporation will continue to manage the design and construction of the project. The improved plan will require design modifications and additional environmental review (supplemental environmental impact statement).

ESDC Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "The Buffalo Inner Harbor project is one of the most important examples of Governor Pataki's commitment to rejuvenating this region's waterfront and tourism economies. Once again the Erie Canal will serve as the stimulus to transform Downtown Buffalo into a primary destination for 21st Century tourists, jobs and opportunity for the people of Western New York. I commend Governor Pataki for his leadership and diplomacy as we move forward with this historic investment."

The revised project has been endorsed by the Erie County Preservation Coalition. This will result in an end to ongoing litigation against the project and provide the basis for a cooperative effort to move the project forward.

Sue McCartney, Chairman of the Board of the Preservation Coalition of Erie County, said, "The State of New York has shown leadership on this critical part of our Erie Canal heritage. I want to thank ESD, and especially its local staff, in helping build community consensus for this project. With the restoration of the Commercial Slip and the Central Wharf, we can welcome the nation and the world to the real Buffalo - the city that opened the west, the city that welcomed immigrants to the continental interior, the city on whose waterfront the story of America unfolded."

Governor Pataki today also renewed his call for a $120 million capital program to rehabilitate infrastructure and encourage development along the Canal System, which now includes the Champlain, the Cayuga- Seneca and Oswego Canals.

That $120 million investment -- $100 million of which would come from the proposed $3.8 billion Transportation Infrastructure Bond Act -- would leverage hundreds of millions more in private sector development. Plans are also underway to connect the entire 348 miles of the historic Canalway Trail along the Erie Canal, making it the longest recreational trail in the United States.

The Governor also has proposed legislation to include Buffalo and Albany within the Canal definition, which will provide additional funds to renovate historic sites.

Since Governor Pataki unveiled the five-year, $32.3 million Canal revitalization plan in 1996, the Canal Corporation has launched a number of major rehabilitation projects along the 524-mile Canal System and made it easier for everyone to enjoy one of New York's greatest treasures.

Those projects include the $4.3 million harbor revitalization project in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, which flank the Western Gateway to the State Canal System. The partnerships among the Canal Corporation, the cities and counties resulted in major improvements to the Canal harbor areas and Canalway Trail linkages between the towns of Tonawanda and Amherst.

On October 26, 1825, Governor DeWitt Clinton led a parade of nearly all of Buffalo's inhabitants to the head of the Erie Canal, where a flotilla of boats waited. Governor Clinton then boarded the packet boat Seneca Chief, officially opening the 363-mile long Erie Canal. As the Seneca Chief pulled away, cannon fire all along the banks of the Canal from Buffalo to New York City relayed the word that the Erie Canal was officially open.

The year 2000 marks the 175th anniversary of the Erie Canal and also the beginning of a new era for New York's State Canal System. Instead of transporting goods, the canals now serve as heritage and eco-tourist destinations and engines of economic development. Tourism is New York's second leading industry and New York's Canal System is one of the major reasons why.

"Governor Pataki's efforts to forge strong partnerships with local communities has made this rediscovery of our Canal System possible," said Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation Chairman Louis R. Tomson. "We are extremely pleased that the Buffalo Inner Harbor project will now celebrate the historic commercial slip while allowing expansion of boater access and waterfront redevelopment important to the Greater Buffalo Metropolitan area's future economic success."

The New York State Canal System is a 524-mile network of navigable inland waterways, comprised of the Erie, Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca and Oswego Canals, which are operated and maintained by the New York State Canal Corporation.