"Both a Culmination and a Beginning"
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 12:00PM 
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Chairman Jordan Levy joined with members of the ECHDC Board of Directors, Congressman Brian Higgins, Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to greet the Queen City Water Ferry as it launched from the Commercial Slip on Buffalo’s Inner Harbor last Thursday May 19. The service is the first of its kind for Western New York and will connect the Inner Harbor, Buffalo River and Outer Harbor.
“The Queen City Water Ferry is both a culmination and a beginning,” said Levy. “A water taxi has been talked about in Western New York for decades and was one of the top items requested during the public outreach sessions that ECHDC held over this past winter. We can finally say that we’re done talking – it is here and ready to start taking passengers. More importantly, I believe that this service, by opening up the entirety of our waterfront, will allow our community to get a true sense of the tremendous assets that we enjoy in Western New York and to appreciate the advantages and opportunities that our waterfront holds.”
"Over the last several years we have seen barren land turn into boardwalks and greenspace, crumbling pavement transform into a beautiful parkway and programs grow attracting thousands of people to the water's edge," said Congressman Higgins. "With the addition of the Ferry we bring new access, new opportunity and new ways for residents and visitors to experience and enjoy Buffalo's waterfront."
Erie County Executive Chris Collins said, “It is wonderful to see the maiden voyage of the Queen City Water Ferry, as we continue to make our developing waterfront more accessible. This is another step in the right direction as we work to realize the full potential of our beautiful shoreline on Lake Erie, and revitalize downtown Buffalo to build a brighter future for our region.”
“This is one of many steps being taken to offer Buffalo and Western New York residents with an enjoyable waterfront experience,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “The water taxi provides convenient and affordable transportation and sightseeing. I will continue to support initiatives to grow and develop one of Buffalo’s greatest assets.”
The Queen City Water Ferry Co. first submitted the idea for the service in January, as part of the Cultural Master Plan application process. “I felt that the idea had tremendous merit,” said Cultural Committee Chair Maureen Hurley. “Since it didn’t fit under the guidelines that we had established for cultural programming, though, I instead brought it to the attention of our full board for consideration.”
The ECHDC board authorized a three year contract at its April 12 meeting, providing $96,500 in seed money to the Queen City Ferry Co., a private venture with Buffalo Sailing Adventures, whose owners have a proven record of success in providing engaging, authentic, and professional public access to Buffalo’s waterways on the Spirit of Buffalo. The agreement ensures three years of regular water ferry services (pedestrian and bicycle) with standardized routes and schedules.
“The Outer Harbor has been undergoing a process of transformation over the past several years,” said Outer Harbor Committee Chair David Colligan. “The work that Congressman Brian Higgins championed has resulted in a new Fuhrmann Boulevard, landscaping, bicycle and pedestrian paths, docks and other recreational opportunities. The Queen City Ferry will provide another connection for people to see what has been accomplished.”
“What makes the Buffalo River unique is the fact that it winds its way through an actual neighborhood,” said Buffalo River Committee Chair Julie Barrett O’Neill. “The First Ward is a vibrant, authentic part of Buffalo, whose residents played an important part in the history of Buffalo and our waterfront. Establishing a connection with this neighborhood and the river is vital for Western New York’s future, and I am pleased that the Queen City Ferry is going to provide that link.”
“Today marks the beginning of a successful summer for ECHDC and Western New York,” said ECHDC President Thomas P. Dee. “In addition to the ferry, we will have an extension to the Central Wharf, over 300 programs and activities and a takeout food stand. We asked the community what they wanted to have on the waterfront, and these were their priorities. I’m proud to say that by the beginning of July, they will all be available for the public to enjoy.”
Formerly a part of the fleet of the Erie-Champlain Canal Boat Company, Inc. in Waterford, New York, the boat arrived in Buffalo last week. After some painting and other preparations, it is now ready for its inaugural season. Prices are: $4 one way, $8 for a round trip and $12 for an all day pass. Passengers who want to bring their bicycles will pay $1.
Images and video from the press conference can be found on ECHDC’s YouTube and Flickr pages.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary agency of Empire State Development Corporation whose vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty.
