August 2024

 

Since 2017, the Western New York Land Conservancy has worked with the NFTA and many community members and partners to pursue the community's vision of transforming the DL&W corridor into a vibrant nature trail and greenway for all to enjoy.  As The Riverline project was approaching the transition from planning to construction, the Land Conservancy made the decision to create a new, separate 501(c)3 for The Riverline so that it could independently raise funds, apply for grants, continue to work with the NFTA to complete the project, and eventually be in charge of long-term operations and maintenance of the trail. Creating a new 501(c)3 for The Riverline would enable the Land Conservancy to focus on its original mission of permanent land protection in Western New York.

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In response to this change, the NFTA has stated it does not prefer to move forward with a new 501(c)3 entity. We understand these events are disappointing to all the community members, partners, and supporters who have put significant time, energy, and resources into this project. 

 

There is funding in place to design and build an initial section of The Riverline. Thanks to former Congressman Brian Higgins and former State Senator Tim Kennedy, $1.6 million is already secured, with another $1 million pending in a Federal appropriations bill. This money is earmarked for the purpose of constructing the block between Alabama and Hamburg Streets, which includes the Mackinaw Street Play Garden and a section of the Del Woodlands trail. The NFTA has stated it is committed to fulfilling its obligation to build this section under these earmarks.

 

The Riverline staff will continue its work on current projects through the end of 2024. This includes The Riverline Study, a mandatory assessment process required for projects receiving state and federal funding. The Riverline Study can be used to guide any future work on the project.