MASIELLO, GIAMBRA ANNOUNCE LOCAL FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR INNER HARBOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
June 17, 2000
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (6/17/00) - Buffalo Mayor Anthony M. Masiello and Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra today announced a technical feasibility study to assess the potential for restoring the Erie Canal Commercial Slip and other historic archaeological/architectural resources located within the 12.5 acre Inner Harbor Project site. The study will be funded jointly by the Masiello and Giambra administrations.

The study follows Empire State Development Corporation Chairman Charles Gargano's decision to leave the responsibility of determining the feasibility of any design modifications and subsequent funding to the Masiello and Giambra administrations.

"I am pleased that Governor Pataki and Chairman Gargano recognized the value of resolving this matter locally," stated Mayor Masiello. "A great deal of time and effort has gone into the revitalization of our city's waterfront and this study, done professionally and expeditiously, will help clarify outstanding concerns over the feasibility of incorporating additional design modifications that will further celebrate the historical legacy of the Erie Canal. I am pleased County Executive Giambra has joined with the city on this important effort and I look forward to collaborating with his administration."

A team of experts selected by both administrations will undertake the feasibility study. It is anticipated that the team, which will be announced early next week, will commence its work on or near June 23, 2000. Ultimately, the Mayor and County Executive will determine jointly how the feasibility study results should inform the recommendation of the preferred alternative in the current Inner Harbor environmental review.

"I want to thank Chairman Gargano for his thoughtful and sensitive approach to the ongoing Buffalo Inner Harbor Project," stated County Executive Giambra. "Governor Pataki knows how important this project is to our region's future. As a result, in the next 60 days, Mayor Masiello and I will work with experts in historic preservation, construction, economic development and heritage tourism to come to agreement on whether it is feasible to restore the Commercial Slip and other 19th century urban landscape features from a financial and engineering standpoint and still achieve the public objectives of pedestrian access, intermodal transportation and commercial development that we need for this important piece of our downtown revitalization."

It should be emphasized that while this study unfolds, the critical work that ESDC has already begun will continue, including dredging the harbor for the new home of the Naval and Serviceman's Park outside the area of the Commercial Slip.