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For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2011
Contact:
Erich Weyant, (716) 846-8258 Queen City
Ferry Debuts at the Commercial Slip
Service will link the Inner Harbor, Buffalo River and Outer
Harbor
Today Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Chairman
Jordan Levy joined with members of the ECHDC Board of Directors,
Congressman Brian Higgins, Erie County Executive Chris Collins and
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to greet the Queen City Water Ferry as it
launched from the Commercial Slip on Buffalo’s Inner Harbor. The
service is the first of its kind for Western New York and will
connect the Inner Harbor, Buffalo River and Outer Harbor.
“The Queen City Water Ferry is both a culmination and a beginning,”
said Levy. “A water taxi has been talked about in Western New York
for decades and was one of the top items requested during the public
outreach sessions that ECHDC held over this past winter. We can
finally say that we’re done talking – it is here and ready to start
taking passengers. More importantly, I believe that this service, by
opening up the entirety of our waterfront, will allow our community
to get a true sense of the tremendous assets that we enjoy in
Western New York and to appreciate the advantages and opportunities
that our waterfront holds.”
"Over the last several years we have seen barren land turn into
boardwalks and greenspace, crumbling pavement transform into a
beautiful parkway and programs grow attracting thousands of people
to the water's edge," said Congressman Higgins. "With the addition
of the Ferry we bring new access, new opportunity and new ways for
residents and visitors to experience and enjoy Buffalo's
waterfront."
Erie County Executive Chris Collins said, “It is wonderful to see
the maiden voyage of the Queen City Water Ferry, as we continue to
make our developing waterfront more accessible. This is another step
in the right direction as we work to realize the full potential of
our beautiful shoreline on Lake Erie, and revitalize downtown
Buffalo to build a brighter future for our region.”
“This is one of many steps being taken to offer Buffalo and Western
New York residents with an enjoyable waterfront experience,” said
Mayor Byron W. Brown. “The water taxi provides convenient and
affordable transportation and sightseeing. I will continue to
support initiatives to grow and develop one of Buffalo’s greatest
assets.”
The Queen City Water Ferry Co. first submitted the idea for the
service in January, as part of the Cultural Master Plan application
process. “I felt that the idea had tremendous merit,” said Cultural
Committee Chair Maureen Hurley. “Since it didn’t fit under the
guidelines that we had established for cultural programming, though,
I instead brought it to the attention of our full board for
consideration.”
The ECHDC board authorized a three year contract at its April 12
meeting, providing $96,500 in seed money to the Queen City Ferry
Co., a private venture with Buffalo Sailing Adventures, whose owners
have a proven record of success in providing engaging, authentic,
and professional public access to Buffalo’s waterways on the Spirit
of Buffalo. The agreement ensures three years of regular water ferry
services (pedestrian and bicycle) with standardized routes and
schedules.
“The Outer Harbor has been undergoing a process of transformation
over the past several years,” said Outer Harbor Committee Chair
David Colligan. “The work that Congressman Brian Higgins championed
has resulted in a new Fuhrmann Boulevard, landscaping, bicycle and
pedestrian paths, docks and other recreational opportunities. The
Queen City Ferry will provide another connection for people to see
what has been accomplished.”
“What makes the Buffalo River unique is the fact that it winds its
way through an actual neighborhood,” said Buffalo River Committee
Chair Julie Barrett O’Neill. “The First Ward is a vibrant, authentic
part of Buffalo, whose residents played an important part in the
history of Buffalo and our waterfront. Establishing a connection
with this neighborhood and the river is vital for Western New York’s
future, and I am pleased that the Queen City Ferry is going to
provide that link.”
“Today marks the beginning of a successful summer for ECHDC and
Western New York,” said ECHDC President Thomas P. Dee. “In addition
to the ferry, we will have an extension to the Central Wharf, over
300 programs and activities and a takeout food stand. We asked the
community what they wanted to have on the waterfront, and these were
their priorities. I’m proud to say that by the beginning of July,
they will all be available for the public to enjoy.”
Formerly a part of the fleet of the Erie-Champlain Canal Boat
Company, Inc. in Waterford, New York, the boat arrived in Buffalo
last week. After some painting and other preparations, it is now
ready for its inaugural season. Prices are: $4 one way, $8 for a
round trip and $12 for an all day pass. Passengers who want to bring
their bicycles will pay $1.
Images and video from today’s press conference can be found on
ECHDC’s
YouTube and
Flickr pages.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary agency of
Empire State Development Corporation whose 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.
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