Governor Pataki was joined by State and local officials and community leaders to announce the grants at the site of one of the major projects being funded – the Historic Canal Park in Lockport, Niagara County. The City of Lockport is receiving two grants totaling $658,500 to complete the development of the Canal Park project. The City is receiving a $400,000 grant from the Department of State through the EPF's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and a $258,500 EPF grant through State Parks for land acquisition and park enhancements.

"Preserving valuable open space and creating public parklands along this historic waterway will help revitalize the region, attracting visitors and greatly enriching the quality of life here in the community," Governor Pataki said. "This funding continues our efforts in Lockport and across Western New York to work with local communities to protect our State’s precious resources, expand public access to green space, and safeguard our local treasures for future generations."

Senator George D. Maziarz said, "These EPF grants will undoubtedly spur the growth of the Niagara Region’s existing and developing recreational facilities. The Governor has wisely identified projects, like the Lockport Historic Canal Park, that will contribute to long-term waterfront revitalization and historic preservation in areas with limitless potential."

Assemblywoman Sandra Lee Wirth said, "Today’s announcement is great news for the people of Western New York. Over the last nine years, Governor Pataki has committed more than $11 million toward preserving, protecting and improving our environment here in Erie and Niagara Counties. This new funding for open space, recreation, historic preservation and waterfront revitalization projects will provide tremendous benefit to residents and visitors well into the future. This announcement is a testament to Governor Pataki’s tremendous commitment to preserving our natural resources."

Michael W. Tucker, Mayor, City of Lockport, said, "We are excited to be receiving these grants for the creation of the Lockport Historic Canal Park. We thank Governor Pataki for his longstanding support as we continue to make enhancements to public spaces and encourage development along the waterfront."

The City of Lockport was designated as one of the first NYS Quality Communities in 2002. The open space acquisition in the City of Lockport will complete the development of the Lockport Historic Canal Park project. The City will establish a public park at the site to complement the community redevelopment project that includes a visitor’s center and interpretive museum expected to be completed next year. The park will be based on a 19th century design to include a period fountain, stone walls, and wrought iron fence and gate work. The park project will link the historic Hamilton House to Richmond Avenue across to the Erie Canal and the "flight of five" locks to the downtown.

Additional grants for Niagara County include: $96,016 for the development of Gateway Point in North Tonawanda; $24,360 to restore the historic Carnegie Art Center Library in North Tonawanda; $75,000 for public access enhancements and dock replacement on the Niagara River in the village of Lewiston; and $85,000 for the rehabilitation of a pier and boat launch in South Waterfront Park on the Niagara River in the village of Youngstown.

EPF grants for projects in Erie County include: $350,000 to the city of Buffalo to restore the former Delaware-Asbury Church for re-use as an entertainment venue; $87,423 to the town of Lancaster to acquire and preserve remaining parcels of the historic Warren Hull House farmstead; $300,000 to the town of Evans to develop Sturgeon Point Bluffs Park on Lake Erie as a multi-use public recreation area; $40,000 to the city of Tonawanda to construct a 640- linear foot dock to accommodate increased boating in Gateway Harbor and provide boater access to Longs Point Park, the Canalway Trail and downtown businesses; and $12,500 to the town of Grand Island for the development of a master plan for the Bicentennial Park/Scenic Woods area.

Commissioner Bernadette Castro of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said, "Through the Environmental Protection Fund awards, Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to protecting the Empire State’s natural and cultural resources. By expanding public access to new parklands and preserving local heritage, we are improving communities in western New York and across the state for the benefit of all visitors to the region. Here in Lockport, we are reconnecting local businesses and neighborhoods with this historic waterway."

Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels, who oversees the Department of State’s (DOS) Division of Coastal Resources, said, "Governor Pataki has created a strong partnership between the State and local communities to advance projects that will have long-term economic, environmental and cultural benefits, and these grants further illustrate the success of these efforts. Across New York State, municipalities are transforming their waterfront areas and creating active and vibrant public venues, and here in western New York, the development of new parks, bike trails and waterfront access will provide additional opportunities for the public to enjoy the natural beauty of the region."

Since 1995, Governor Pataki has committed nearly $108 million in EPF, Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund support administered by State Parks toward 845 local open space, recreation and historic preservation grants to communities across New York State. During that time, more than $11.1 million has been invested in park and preservation projects in Erie and Niagara counties.

In addition, more than 600 grants totaling approximately $55 million have been awarded to communities throughout the state under the EPF Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for intermunicipal water body management plans, coastal education programs, the creation of blueway trails, and urban waterfront redevelopment.