Efforts to improve public access to Buffalo's Outer Harbor continues this summer. More than $4 million in construction projects are underway, including several so-called pocket parks.
Congressman Brian Higgins stood at Tifft Street and Fuhrmann Boulevard Monday as work continues on the Tifft Street Pier. The project will include a steel walkway leading to a covered observation pier. Landscaping and seating will also line the shore just south of Gallagher Beach.
Higgins says several pocket parks are being created to provide recreational opportunities.
"What you see here is the continuation of the build out of Buffalo's waterfront," Higgins said.
Work is also continuing on an Industrial Heritage Trail along the Outer Harbor Parkway. It feature a bicycle and pedestrian path lined with granite.
Higgins says over the past three years $124 million has been invested in project along the Outer Harbor and Buffalo River.
"The rate of activity here as increased dramatically over the past three years. Four years ago there was nobody coming down here because you couldn't get here," Higgins said.
Higgins says swimming beaches are planned for next summer at Gallagher Beach and Wilkeson Point. Higgins is confident the public investment will lead to private investment along the Outer Harbor, as it has at Canalside.