Another $18 million is coming to LaSalle Park for its redevelopment.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo came to town Sunday to announce $10 million from the state. The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation announced another $5 million and the City of Buffalo announced $3 million for a new pedestrian bridge to replace the current Hudson Street Bridge.
Officials noted the need for a new pedestrian bridge came out of the Imagine LaSalle community engagement process, as a way to provide safe access to the park.
"The community vision for LaSalle Park highlighted the importance of safe access to the park and the Buffalo Waterfront for everyone," said Foundation President David Egner. "The Foundation is proud to be able to commit an additional $5 million to support a new pedestrian gateway that will provide a critical neighborhood connection across the I-190, create a safe and inviting entrance to the park and views of Lake Erie, and be an iconic symbol of the momentum across the City of Buffalo."
The governor said four designs have been submitted for the new pedestrian bridge, and a design will be picked by the end of the month.
He noted the redevelopment of Buffalo's waterfront as a major reason for the region's progress, and he said that is what "the reimagining of Lasalle Park is all about."
Foundation Chair Mary Wilson agreed.
"The bridge will be a symbol of the momentum and the progress and the connectiveness that we have goin gon here in Buffalo," Wilson said. "This bridge is going to make it accessible for everyone, no matter what your ability is, to come to this park and to come to the water, and as Michael Van Valkenburgh has talked about, how important water is and bringin the people to the water."
The Wilson Foundation previously committed $50 million to redevelop the park and bring people back to the city's West Side.
Wilson and the governor then enjoyed the Buffalo Bills' win over the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field.
