USACE receives supplemental funds to construct LaSalle Park Shoreline Protection project

Published Oct. 24, 2018
LaSalle seawall protecting the Colonel F.G. Ward Pumping Station.

LaSalle seawall protecting the Colonel F.G. Ward Pumping Station.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District received $3.7 million from the 2018 Continuing Authority Supplemental Appropriations to construct and repair approximately 1,300 feet of seawall of the northern section of LaSalle Park, Buffalo, NY. 

The seawall fronting the Colonel F.G. Ward Pumping Station has deteriorated over time due to Lake Erie ice and wave action. Projecting the pump station is essential because it is the primary source of drinking water for the City of Buffalo residents.  

“The work of the US Army Corps Buffalo District to protect the navigability of our waterways and reinforce the water’s edge is an essential component of ongoing efforts to revive our waterfront,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “These federal resources complement federal NYPA relicensing settlement investments as well as State, private and just recently announced Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation commitments to provide real momentum toward the transformation of the water’s edge.” 

"The reconstruction and repair of the LaSalle Park seawall is now more important than ever. Thanks to the generosity of the Ralph Wilson Foundation, LaSalle Park will be the latest revitalized attraction in Buffalo, and it is critical that the Park’s shoreline is protected. Further, the seawall protects the pumping station which provides the primary source of drinking water for Buffalo residents," said Senator Charles Schumer. "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improved seawall, in tandem with the major investment from the Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation, will continue the resurgence of Buffalo's waterfront, which has brought new jobs and development into the city. I was proud to deliver a supplemental appropriations that provide 100% federal funding for the construction of the seawall repairs and I thank the Army Corps for prioritizing this essential project to ensure that Buffalo has the infrastructure resources needed for generations to come."

“The $3.7 million the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will spend for construction and repair of LaSalle Park’s northern section of seawall, is great news for the City of Buffalo. It saves the City from having to sell a planned $1.2 million bond to raise matching funds for the project,” City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said. “This builds on the momentum of the announcement the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, is donating $50 million to take what will now be known as Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park to a whole new level. It also builds on the over $8 million my administration has invested in improvements to our City’s largest waterfront park, since 2006.”

 “We appreciate the continued support of our elected officials and their commitment to repair and strengthen our Nation’s infrastructure,” said Lt. Col. Jason Toth, USACE Buffalo District Commander.  “This project is a great example of how our Civil Works mission provides a key foundational component of the Nation’s public infrastructure and facilitates economic growth, environmental health, and quality of life for the American people.” 

This project is being conducted in partnership with the non-federal sponsor, the City of Buffalo, and has been cost shared through the feasibility and design phases totaling $1.1 million.  The construction phase will be fully funded using the Continuing Authority Supplemental Appropriations, with a contract award expected around the spring of 2019 and construction starting as early as the summer of 2019. 

 


Contact
Andrew Kornacki
716-879-4349
716-352-8669 (cell)
andrew.a.kornacki@usace.army.mil
1776 Niagara Street

Release no. 18-018