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For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2010
Contact:
Matt Davison (ECHDC) |
mdavison@empire.state.ny.us | (716) 846-8258
ECHDC Affirms Canal Side SEQRA Findings And
General Project Plan
Approvals denote conclusion of mandatory review process
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) board of
directors today recommended that Empire State Development (ESD)
adopt both the official Statement of Findings for the Canal Side
project, which is required under the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (SEQRA), as well as the overall inner harbor General
Project Plan.
“As expected, we’re ready to wrap up the required project review
process later this month following ESD concurrence,” said ECHDC
Chairman Jordan Levy. “This is good news for the overall
redevelopment effort and is yet another sign that Canal Side
continues to move forward. Today’s actions also allow us to shift
our focus a bit and concentrate on upcoming property acquisitions,
leasing agreements, contract and bidding coordination, as well as
other tedious, but necessary administrative proceedings.”
ECHDC’s recommendation to adopt the official Statement of Findings
for Canal Side coincides with formal completion of the project’s
Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) and is required by
Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and
associated implementing regulations, more commonly referred to as
SEQRA.
The Canal Side GEIS provides a comprehensive analysis of the
potential economic, social and environmental impacts associated with
the project. The Statement of Findings determines that approval
should be given to the proposed Preferred Alternative for build-out,
based on adequate evaluation of the impacts and potential mitigation
measures associated with inner harbor construction. As lead agency
for Canal Side, ESD will review the findings statement and formally
issue a determination regarding whether or not to undertake the
project. A positive ruling is anticipated.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary agency of
Empire State Development Corporation (ESD). Its vision is to
revitalize Western New York's waterfront and restore economic growth
to Buffalo based on the region's legacy of pride, urban significance
and natural beauty. ESD is the New York's chief economic development
agency and also oversees the marketing of "I Love NY," the state's
iconic tourism brand. For more information, please visit
www.eriecanalharbor.com
or www.nylovesbiz.com.
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