Press Release: NYS, May 16, 2004

Fulfilling a commitment made in his 2004 State of the State Address, Governor George E. Pataki today announced he will officially submit legislation tomorrow that will create the Niagara River Greenway Commission. The Commission, which will be made up of fourteen members, will aid in the planning and development of a Lake Ontario to Lake Erie greenway of interconnected parks, river access points and waterfront trails along the Niagara River.

“Just as the Hudson River Park Trust redefined the West Side of Manhattan and the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council brings together and assists local planning efforts to preserve and protect our natural resources in the Hudson Valley, the Niagara River Greenway Commission will provide a solid framework in helping local communities develop a linear park system along the Niagara River,” Governor Pataki said. “The Commission will allow dozens of communities – both on the River and nearby – to boost local tourism, enhance recreation and create new jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Western New York.”

Assembly Minority Leader Charles H. Nesbitt said, “The creation of the Niagara River Greenway Commission will bring tourist dollars to all of the communities between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. I applaud Governor Pataki for providing New Yorkers and all of its visitors from around the world a new way to experience the scenic beauty of Western New York.”

Senator Dale M. Volker said, “I congratulate the Governor for his commitment to the Niagara waterways. The natural beauty found in Western New York will be further served by the creation of the Greenway Commission.”

Senator George D. Maziarz said, “Getting this Commission formed is the first step in building on the wonderful park systems we already have in the Buffalo-Niagara region. As a representative of the Niagara River area, I commend the Governor for his leadership in helping to develop tourism and recreation along this scenic corridor.”

Senator Mary Lou Rath said, “This is welcome news for our community. The Greenway Commission will assist Western New York in the efforts to integrate the natural resources of our area with economic development concerns. I commend Governor Pataki in this effort.”

Senator Byron W. Brown said, “It has long been apparent that the Niagara River is the untapped asset of our region. Bringing the commission together with the work of dedicated community residents, we have a real opportunity to highlight the Niagara River as a world-class destination for work or for play.”

Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte said, “I’m sure a Niagara River Greenway Commission will dovetail nicely with the ongoing efforts of groups like the Niagara Falls Waterfront Revitalization Committee and others that seek to develop and preserve public access to the Niagara Waterfront.”

The Niagara River spans 35 miles from Lake Erie at Buffalo, to Lake Ontario at the site of the historic Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY.

Currently, the Canadian side of the Niagara River has a continuous green space along its shores managed by the Niagara Parks Commission.

Under terms of the legislation, the Commission will be responsible for developing a plan that will:

• Designate the specific boundaries of the Greenway;
• Create an inventory of existing park and other lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the State, public corporations and municipalities;
• Identify other lands and waters that can contribute to the purposes of the Greenway;
• Recommend how the Greenway could be linked to upland and interior communities in order to promote linkages to the River;
• Evaluate how economic development activities in proximity to the Greenway can support and complement the Greenway;
• Identify ways for the Commission to work with municipal, State and federal agencies, public and private corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private property owners and interests; and
• Make recommendations for the on-going operation and maintenance of the Greenway.

Under the Governor’s proposed legislation, the Commission’s complete plan must be submitted to the Governor within two years of the effective date of the act for review and approval.

The Commission will be responsible for establishing advisory committees including a Local Government Advisory Committee consisting of the chief elected official of each municipality adjacent to the River and a Citizens’ Advisory Committee consisting of various interest groups.

Activities of the Commission will be coordinated with each municipality and their park, cultural, and local planning activities. The Commission will not have the power of eminent domain.

The Commission will be made up of 14 voting members, with eight appointed by the Governor. Two of the eight will be appointed upon the recommendation of the Temporary President of the State Senate, and two upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the Assembly. Each of those appointments must be comprised of residents of a municipality adjacent to the Niagara River.

Additionally, six voting members of the Commission will serve “ex officio.” They include the Secretary of State, and the Commissioners of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Economic Development, as well as the Chairperson of the New York Power Authority, or their designees.

Each of the appointees will serve a term of four years. The members will receive no compensation for their service and the Governor will select a chairperson for the Commission.

The Commission will meet at least once every two months until approval of its plan by the Governor, and will meet quarterly thereafter.