Waterfront Project to get big paycheck

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - If you go down to the Inner Harbor, behind what used to be the Aud, you can see all the work in progress.

And now, funding for a third of the $300 million dollar Canal Side project has been secured through the New York Power Authority.

Progress in constructing Canal Side can be measured cobblestone by cobblestone, and by the dollars secured to make this 21 acre project "float."

The New York Power Authority has now signed on to fund $105 million dollars for key inner harbor projects.

The C.E.O of New York Power Authority Richard Kessel said, "It's time the Power Authority gives some payback to Erie County, to the City of Buffalo."

That payback will fund the 33,000 square foot Canal Side Hall, featuring local restaurants and markets, a new system of watered canals that will give the district its distinct flavor and a three tiered parking structure under the Bass Pro Outdoor Store.

Democratic Representative Brian Higgins of South Buffalo said, "The next 36 months promise to be period of incredible progress, redefining the waterfront both at the inner and outer harbor."

As the money is being put in place, so are the cobblestones, here in the historic Canal Side Streets, 30,000 square feet of cobblestones.

Each stone from Buffalo's past, has to be properly sculpted and shaped.

Cobblestone worker Glenn Fariss added,"Oh yeah, definitely. A lot of these cobblestones came from Harlem Road, where all the streets that got ripped up. Blacktopped now, and they're actually using the pavers, which is good."

Edward Dolski wants his two year old daughter Madison to see history in the making.

"That's the reason why she's down here. We're trying to make sure that she knows what it's about," said Dolski.

In the giant footprint of the Aud, the perimeter is being shored-up for a new Bass Pro Store, which is still negotiating for a lease, despite a recent waive of criticism.

Harbor Development Chairman Jordan Levy said, "The activity that's taking place in this community, is in fact having a negative impact on those negotiations. We're hopeful that we're going to bring them to conclusion."