Recent news from our local delegation…

Congressman Brian Higgins released the following statement today regarding the construction of a new tree-lined parkway on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor Waterfront:

“Buffalo has been waiting for fifty years for access to the Outer Harbor waterfront, and in the 2008 construction season they will see the construction of an easy-to-navigate, two-way, tree-lined parkway which will provide this access for the first time. This project has been the subject of fifteen years of study and public comment, is fully permitted and fully funded at $55 million, and Buffalonians will not tolerate delay in the construction of the waterfront parkway they deserve.

The Parkway which will be constructed next year provides better linkages to the surface-level bridge for which I will seek funding in the coming years to link downtown directly to the Outer Harbor. This bridge will work well if it is linked to a two-way parkway, rather than a disjointed system of one-way road segments called for in the boulevard alternative.”

Podcast Archive: Click through to listen to Congressman Higgins explain his position:

Buffalo, NY – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and the Citizens Campaign for the Environment welcomed representatives from local, state and national organizations to an open dialogue on issues important to the future of the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are our region’s most vital natural resource,” said Congressman Higgins, a member of the House of Representatives Great Lakes Task Force. “Historically, the lakes shaped this region as a port welcoming settlers, commerce and growth. The long-tem health and vibrancy of this fresh water source is fundamental to the future of our environment and quality of life for those who will enjoy the lakes for generations to come.”

Organizations attending the meeting included: the United States Army Corps, Sierra Club, Southtowns Walleye Association, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers, Great Lakes Sports Fishing Council, University at Buffalo Environmental Law program, Great Lakes United, Seneca Nation, Audubon NY, Buffalo Audubon Society, Jamestown Audubon Society, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Attorney General’s Office, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.