Falls park to see major improvements

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - How will the Niagara Falls State Park stretch $25 million in state money coming to the historic site?

Officials say the money is going places tourists visit most, starting with the Discovery Center, the pedestrian bridge, and Goat Island.

NYS Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "People were talking about Niagara Falls looking shabby - and Niagara Falls can't look shabby."

Harvey has made Niagara Falls State Park a priority.

"We need to show this can be America's most visible, most important park in the past, in the present and in the future," she said.

Harvey says improvement to the state's infrastructure begins in the parks. First on the list is the Science and Discovery Center going green. Solar panels were installed as part of a grant from NYSERDA.

The pedestrian bridge over the rapids will be completely replaced and traffic flow will be improved on Goat Island as part of the state's investment into the park. New trollies will be added to the fleet and scenic overlooks will be restored, especially at Terrapin Point, where Nik Wallenda will cross the Horseshoe Falls this summer.

Mayor Paul Dyster beamed, "A lot of positive things coming together here in western New York."

Dyster says the state's multi-million dollar restoration project will translate into an improved economic climate for the City of Niagara Falls.

"Always a continuing dilemma for us here at Niagara Falls is how to get people as close as possible to this great natural wonder without destroying the natural experience they've come here to enjoy. The investment we see here today will take us a long way in that direction," Harvey said.

Not on the list, however, is the Maid of the Mist. But the commissioner says she's committed to keeping the boats running.