N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law § 39.01: Legislative findings and intent

§ 39.01 Legislative findings and intent. The Niagara River corridor is

of unique ecological, cultural and economic importance to western New

York connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario communities and ecologies.

This corridor has played an important role in the history of the Niagara

Frontier and it can and should continue to define the western New York

experience into the twenty-first century. Niagara Falls is a National

Natural Landmark under state stewardship for more than a century that

draws more than fourteen million visitors from throughout the world to

the region each year. The cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo are at the

heart of the river corridor where much of their waterfront has in the

past been dedicated to industrial uses. During the last few decades

those uses have begun to wane and there is now an opportunity to

redefine the waterfront in a way that creates a balance of economic

interests with a welcoming waterfront environment. For more than a

century there have been those who have expressed a vision for the

Niagara river corridor of a necklace of open space and conservation

areas spread along the river. With many areas no longer being used for

heavy industry it is now time to complete that vision. Many areas have

established parks along the corridor including eleven state parks and

fourteen local parks. New York state's only National Scenic Byway, the

Seaway Trail, runs through the entire corridor. It is the intent of the

legislature to establish the Niagara river greenway commission as a

cooperative regional organization established to work with participating

state agencies, municipalities, organizations and residents in order to

implement or cause to be implemented a linear system of parks and

conservation areas that will, consistent with the purpose of the

commission as set forth in this article, redefine the Niagara riverfront

by increasing landside access to the river; creating complementary

access to the greenway from the river; augmenting economic

revitalization efforts, and celebrating the region's industrial

heritage.