Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) received confirmation that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authorized $22 million for the next stage of Buffalo River Restoration.
The federal funding will be matched dollar for dollar by a consortium of non-federal funding partners, through a partnership agreement between the Honeywell Corporation and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, for a combined $44 million project.
“This commitment of federal funding provides the green light to a project that has both ecological and economic consequences that will benefit Western New York for generations to come, ” said Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task force. “We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of its importance and applaud the efforts of those supporting the rebirth of the Buffalo River locally. ”
“ Honeywell is proud to be working in partnership with the Great Lakes National Program Office of EPA, the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, the DEC, and the Army Corps on a cleanup that reflects the community’s vision of a restored Buffalo River. The remediation utilizes each partner’s knowledge, resources, and expertise and could be a catalyst for economic development as well as expanded recreational opportunities. We appreciate Congressman Higgins’ leadership in ensuring that critical federal funds are secure, ” said Jay Kelly, Honeywell Buffalo Research Lab site leader .
“ Riverkeeper commends the US EPA for authorizing the project to move forward ,” said Jill Jedlicka Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Executive Director . “ We thank Congressman Higgins and our restoration partners for their unwavering commitment to the Buffalo River, and our hopeful that this decision will allow our team to commence dredging this year.”
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Press Release, April 22, 2013