2016 Regional Priority Projects Unveiled

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership today released its 2016 Regional Priority Projects. Formerly known as the Regional Agenda, the list continues the Partnership’s collaboration with the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls and the counties of Erie and Niagara to identify regionally significant development, infrastructure and planning projects for our state and federal representatives to support.  The list (below & attached) highlights projects in four key economic areas: Border & Trade, Infrastructure & Transit, Smart Growth Ready, and Tourism & Recreation.  

“The Buffalo Niagara region is undergoing a significant building boom, but this list of projects highlights the economic potential of several other projects that, if funded, will help drive additional economic growth in key sectors,” said Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “This annual list of priorities that the Partnership began with the 2002 Regional Agenda is designed to keep our federal and state representatives updated on the economic impact of signature projects and proposals in order to ensure the smartest and most effective use of taxpayer resources.”

The 2016 Regional Priority Projects were determined through a robust submission process, followed by a ranked vote to determine the final list of 20 projects.  

“As Mayor of Buffalo, I'm pleased to participate in the 2016 Regional Priority Projects and look forward to our continued collaboration with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and our other regional partners," said Mayor Byron W. Brown. "My top priority remains, a Buffalo Public Works Campus - which will deliver government efficiency by providing a single administrative office building for all public works divisions.  This campus will enhance citywide business and cultural district revitalization initiatives, and support projects that create good paying jobs for city residents.”

“Niagara County is pleased with the focus on Regional Priority Projects centered on the Niagara Falls International Airport. Our airport supports vital assets in our community and is a huge economic driver for the region,” said Legislator Randy Bradt, Niagara County Legislator and Member, Niagara County Economic Development Committee.  “The airport proximity utilizes essential services of the Army Reserve Center and qualified the designation of the WNY First Response and Preparedness Center at the former Army hanger.  The Partnership’s decision to identify the Preparedness Center as a Regional Priority Project—as well as the $500,000 secured in the state budget through Sen. Ortt’s office—marks a commitment to public safety during natural disasters. Construction of a new passenger terminal at the Niagara falls International Airport has attracted new air carriers, increased passenger service, and generated economic spin offs along Military Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard—and we are working to expand both. The NFIA Stakeholders Group, Inc., which Niagara County helped found, is working to bring high-speed fiber optic broadband to the Airport Business District and to increase in-bound traffic through a Florida marketing initiative.  Collectively, these initiatives will expand our economy, secure future missions, and protect public safety,”

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership will release its 2016 Advocacy Agenda detailing its policy advocacy priorities at the federal, state and local level at a rollout event on January 7, 2016.

                                                                                    ###

ABOUT THE BUFFALO NIAGARA PARTNERSHIP

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is the region’s private sector economic development organization and regional chamber of commerce, representing nearly 2,000 members and a quarter of a million employees in the Buffalo Niagara region. The Partnership’s work has three main focuses: advocacy, business development and convening. By mobilizing members and strategic partners around common goals, the Partnership grows private investment and jobs in Buffalo Niagara.