The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has approved a $1.06 million grant for the conversion of Buffalo's LaSalle Park into the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.
The funds from NOAA, obtained by the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. in conjunction with the Great Lakes Commission, will pay for engineering and design costs related to "shoreline restoration and improvements to the aquatic habitat” at the park, which is considered part of the "Niagara River Area of Concern" within the Great Lakes.
That's "critical to improving access to and the health of Buffalo's waterfront," according to U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, who reached out to the Commission and NOAA to support the corporation's request.
“This investment continues to build on the incredible park offerings in Western New York and momentum creating destinations along the water’s edge,” Higgins said.
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The development corporation is working with the City of Buffalo, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper in the effort to transform the urban park. Centennial Park will have more public access to the waterfront, updated sports fields, a destination playground, a "great lawn" for events and recreation, a dog park, and better connections to the adjacent neighborhood.
“This support will contribute to the collaborative efforts we have underway to rebuild a resilient shoreline, restore lost coastal wetlands in the Niagara River, and create an incredible new connection for our community to its waterfront,” said Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.
The grant is on top of $6.11 million in federal funding for ongoing repair and reconstruction of 1,300 feet of seawall at the park by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Higgins said.
