Niagara Falls Secures $2 Million Grant for Gill Creek Restoration

Niagara Falls will receive a substantial boost for environmental restoration as the city has been awarded a $2 million grant from the state. Announced on Wednesday, this funding will specifically support a living shoreline restoration project along Gill Creek. The grant comes through the New York State’s Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) and aims to enhance both ecological health and community enjoyment of the area.

The planned project includes the removal of a deteriorating boardwalk and the replacement of traditional mowed lawns with native vegetation. This transformation is expected to create a more sustainable living shoreline that will not only reduce erosion but also improve habitats for various aquatic organisms. According to Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, the organization has been dedicated to this waterway for over a decade. “Our plans don’t stay on the shelf; we actually put them into action,” she stated.

Project Timeline and Expected Benefits

Work on the Gill Creek restoration is scheduled to commence in Spring 2027 and is anticipated to be completed by late summer. The creek has faced numerous environmental challenges, including water runoff, pollution, and habitat degradation. It flows through Hyde Park Lake, which has been plagued by harmful algal blooms due to nutrient overload and stormwater runoff.

Mayor Robert Restaino highlighted the significance of Hyde Park, noting it is the largest urban park in New York State outside of Central Park. He expressed hopes that the restoration will enhance the park’s appeal, making it a more inviting space for visitors. “What we are trying to do is invite our residents back into the park to create a place for them to come again and enjoy themselves,” Restaino said.

The Gill Creek project is part of a larger initiative, with WQIP allocating more than $200 million across 131 statewide projects. In total, Western New York received over $37 million in WQIP funding, which includes significant allocations such as $10 million to the Buffalo Sewer Authority and $4 million to Erie County for water infrastructure improvements and shoreline stabilization.

Statewide Initiatives and Local Impact

Governor Kathy Hochul has prioritized investments in healthy waterways, committing over $265 million to various projects throughout New York State. Julie Barrett O’Neill, the Region 9 regional director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, praised the collaborative approach of the governor’s administration. “The Governor’s whole of government approach ensures state agencies coordinate resources and assist local partners like Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper in successfully advancing projects,” she stated.

Local leaders believe that the restoration efforts will have broad ecological and economic benefits. As Restaino pointed out, Niagara Falls attracts approximately 9 million visitors annually. Enhanced outdoor activities resulting from projects like the Gill Creek restoration could significantly enrich the experience for these guests.

The investment in Gill Creek not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also fosters community engagement and tourism, contributing to a healthier ecosystem and a more vibrant local economy.