Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy opened his first meeting as Chairman of the Erie County Legislature Economic Development Committee with the testimony of Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) who credited the many municipalities involved in the recent victorious settlement rewarded to the City of Buffalo and Erie County from the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

“Through the hard work of many Western New Yorkers, this community succeeded in securing a fair and just relicensing settlement which will be used to rebuild Buffalo’s waterfront,” Congressman Higgins stated. “I would like to thank Legislator Kennedy for his leadership sponsoring and gaining unanimous support for a resolution endorsing this effort. As a result of working together, we were allocated almost three times more than initially offered.”

Legislator Tim Kennedy reviewed the current proposal detailing how the settlement will be divided amongst the current development corporations set up for specific areas for development. This proposal will be voted on during Thursday’s legislative session.

Also discussed during the committee was the County’s role in putting forth bonds enabling an initial lump sum in the amount of $60 million to fund infrastructure projects such as streets, sewers and electricity for the proposed areas of development.

“This means we will see significant action and change in Buffalo’s waterfront within the next year,” Kennedy said, “Something people have been talking about for years but, due largely because of Congressman Brian Higgins’ efforts, we are going to witness in our lifetime.”

Getting in the market early, as discussed in the committee hearing, would be a smart business move for Erie County to take advantage of the low interest rates rather than wait for the yearly disbursements from NYPA. Kennedy explained that our dollar is worth more now then it will be in years to come, therefore it makes the most sense to act now, especially since there will be no cost to the county.

“As Chairman of this committee, I am happy to see the Buffalo’s waterfront progress because of Congressman Higgins who championed the effort to obtain a larger settlement for the Western New York region from NYPA. I am also proud of the unanimous support from the Buffalo Common Council and Erie County Legislature,” Kennedy said, “Buffalo’s waterfront will remain one of my main areas of focus in the future as chairman of this committee.”

Kennedy was selected by Chairwomen-elect Lynn Marinelli to take on this responsibility because of his experience and proven abilities as a leader in County Government. Kennedy was an influential member of the committee last year as well as the Chairman of the Community Development Committee.

“I am extremely honored that Chairwoman [Erie County Legislature] Lynn Marinelli has asked me to serve as chairman of the Economic Development Committee,” Kennedy said, “this is an opportunity to work with many leaders in the public and private sectors to improve the local business climate.”

“This committee is extremely valuable because of its role in our County’s economic development. As the Chairman I will work with a variety of economic development agencies and various leaders in the public and private sectors to promote positive growth and forward progress for a better Erie County where jobs will flourish, as well as, our economic health.”

Aside from waterfront development Kennedy stated other areas of focus would include the revitalization of our areas business strips.

“You will see continued efforts and support for existing Seneca Street Redevelopment initiative, increased focus on Abbott Road, and a newly initiated South Park Avenue Revitalization Plan,” Kennedy said.

Focus on the existing biomedical projects in cooperation with the City of Buffalo’s administration and the increased clean up and redevelopment of Brownfields are some other concerns for Chairman Kennedy.

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