New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $10 million in funding for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park’s Coastal Shoreline Project in Buffalo. The funds come from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and are part of a broader $65 million initiative to improve the resiliency of the Lake Erie shoreline by replacing an aging seawall and naturalizing the park’s waterfront.
“Enhancing the Ralph Wilson Park is just the type of project New York voters envisioned when they overwhelmingly supported the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act in 2022,” Governor Hochul said. “This park restoration project enhances accessible recreational opportunities just steps away from downtown Buffalo while advancing a more sustainable and resilient future for the Lake Erie shoreline. By bolstering and naturalizing the urban shoreline, we’re helping protect this special area from high water, reducing flooding from extreme weather events driven by climate change and enhancing valuable shoreline fish and wildlife habitat.”
The transformation of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park was first announced by Governor Hochul in 2022. The park sits at a location exposed to wind, ice, and waves due to its position on Lake Erie near the Niagara River. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assessment in 2011 found significant deterioration along this stretch of seawall.
In 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation pledged $50 million to help transform LaSalle Park into what is now a world-class destination named after its late namesake—a former Buffalo Bills owner, veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—and also funded community engagement through Imagine LaSalle to develop a vision for the park’s redevelopment.
Community partners including the City of Buffalo and University at Buffalo Regional Institute created plans that include replacing parts of the degraded seawall with a softer shoreline designed to absorb wave energy, reduce flood risk, and provide better access to recreation along Lake Erie.
The new state funding will support Phase II of shoreline redevelopment at Ralph Wilson Park—including work on “the Blueway”—by rehabilitating part of Lake Erie’s shore with a graded revetment-based design intended to reduce flooding risk for city infrastructure while restoring habitats for fish and wildlife.
Other features being added or improved at Ralph Wilson Park include pedestrian bridges over I-90 connecting neighborhoods with regional destinations; upgrades or additions to pools, splash pads, skate parks, dog parks; new play gardens; soccer fields; baseball diamonds; tennis courts; playgrounds; picnic shelters; concession stands; as well as miles of paths for walking or biking.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said: “As climate change and extreme weather continue to impact our shorelines, the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is one of the most critical tools we have to support projects like the shoreline restoration at Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo. This investment is helping New York State safeguard communities from extreme weather, protect natural resources and drinking water, and ensure people have places to explore nature and public recreation. Under Governor Hochul’s sustained leadership and generational investments, New York State is committed to building a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient future for every New Yorker.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight stated: “Empire State Development is pleased to support the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park project through the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper by funding paddlesport launches to provide safe access to the water. The excitement for this project is building as we work to create a thriving waterfront that attracts visitors, boosts tourism, and generates economic activity.”
Environmental Facilities Corporation President Maureen A. Coleman commented: “We applaud this latest investment in the Ralph C. Wilson Jr., Centennial Park shoreline project which builds on EFC’s earlier support… This transformational project is a model for how Environmental Bond Act funding can strengthen shoreline resiliency… We’re proud of continued partnership on projects like this that deliver long-lasting benefits for Buffalo.”
Multiple organizations are supporting current phases—among them U.S Army Corps of Engineers (https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/), Empire State Development (https://esd.ny.gov/), Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper (https://bnwaterkeeper.org/), Great Lakes Commission (https://www.glc.org/), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (https://www.noaa.gov/), National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (https://www.nfwf.org/), Western New York Land Conservancy (https://www.wnylc.org/)—as well as local government entities such as City of Buffalo.
State Senator Ryan said: “When New Yorkers voted to pass the Environmental Bond Act… This funding will help protect park… which is essential for future City of Buffalo…”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said: “I applaud Governor Hochul…for their $10 million investment in Niagara River shoreline restoration with seawall replacement… Both investments will be appreciated by generations…”
Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera added: “This investment…will ensure that this treasured community space is both environmentally resilient and accessible…”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher P Scanlon stated: “Ralph Wilson Park represents once-in-a-generation transformative investment … This $10 million investment through Environmental Bond Act helps us build more sustainable future …”
Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation CEO David Egner said: “Throughout Imagine LaSalle community engagement process thousands shared hopes … it’s critical that we also address safety & resiliency needs along shoreline so park can be enjoyed today tomorrow & long into future.”
Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy Executive Director Katie Campos noted: “This funding shores up one most vital pieces infrastructure … unlocks next phase once-in-a-generation investment … Thanks Gov Hochul’s leadership … delivering on community’s bold vision…”
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka said: “…couldn’t be happier with results progress made by all partners working on this project… vision always been create more resilient waterfront … Thank you…for collaborating on transformation invaluable Great Lakes shoreline…”
In November 2022 voters approved making $4.2 billion available via Environmental Bond Act ballot proposition—supporting projects statewide focused on safeguarding drinking water sources while improving resilience against climate change impacts.
Earlier this year another round ($60 million) was announced under Green Resiliency Grants program supporting stormwater management across flood-prone communities statewide—with applications due August 15th (more info at https://environmentalbondact.ny.gov).
Since 2017 New York has invested about $6 billion into water infrastructure projects—including an additional half-billion dollars allocated in its latest budget cycle—alongside maintaining commitments such as its annual $425 million Environmental Protection Fund supporting conservation efforts across multiple fronts.
