ECHDC Board Advances Waterfront Safety, Infrastructure and Sponsorship Initiatives

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Board of Directors met today and advanced several projects that will continue to enhance safety, improve infrastructure and drive sustainable growth along Buffalo's waterfront.

"Thanks to the ongoing vision and leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, ECHDC is taking proactive steps to protect and sustain our waterfront investments, from fixing storm-damaged infrastructure to exploring innovative sponsorship and asset strategies," said ECHDC Chairperson Joan Kesner. "These contracts and board actions allow us to maintain high-quality public spaces responsibly while driving continued economic vitality across Buffalo's downtown corridor and Outer Harbor."

The board authorized ECHDC to enter into two contracts to make safety and infrastructure improvements to Terminal B at the Outer Harbor. Since opening in 2024, the event center has successfully hosted a wide range of community events, charity walks, and concerts. However, following severe damage to the seawall guardrail and walking surface during a 2022 winter storm-and based on operational insights gained over the past two-plus years-these upgrades are necessary to optimize the space.

• Miller Construction Services, Inc. (d/b/a Scott Lawn Yard): Awarded a contract not to exceed $1,902,978 to enhance public safety and accessibility along the waterfront. Work includes rehabilitating existing pavement, installing new guardrail systems adjacent to the quay wall, and localized concrete repairs.
• Frey Construction Co., Inc.: Awarded a contract not to exceed $756,000 for site lighting upgrades and related enhancements.

Both projects are supported by Erie Canal Harbor Development funds and are expected to be completed by May 2027.

To help offset ongoing operation and maintenance costs at various waterfront sites, the board authorized a contract not to exceed $202,950 with The Superlative Group for asset valuation and sponsorship consultation. The initiative will explore naming rights and sponsorships to generate sustainable non-state revenue, improve public identification markers, and expand public outreach. Along with ECHDC, The Superlative Group will also coordinate with the USA Niagara Development Corporation, an Empire State Development subsidiary, , to develop marketing collateral for state-owned sites to support the naming rights and sales process. The consultant will receive a commission of no more than 15% on executed contracts. Funding is provided via Erie Canal Harbor Development funds.

The ECHDC Board also approved two contract amendments to support ongoing waterfront maintenance and compliance:

• Be Our Guest: A contract amendment not to exceed $673,900 to complete the full replacement of the original boardwalk at Canalside. (Be Our Guest handles facilities management at Canalside and ECHDC properties on the Outer Harbor).
• LiRo Engineers, Inc.: A contract amendment not to exceed $254,320 to provide mandatory inspection services during the construction of the Buffalo Cruise Terminal Improvements Project to ensure strict compliance with the New York Building Code.

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.

As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state's chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhancing the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. 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.

Contact:

Pamm Lent (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313

Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313