USA: Great News for Buffalo River Restoration Project

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.”

[mappress]

Press Release, April 22, 2013