New York State recognizes that Buffalo's waterfront is a unique asset that must be fully utilized to attract people and businesses to our community. The Governor's vision for a redeveloped waterfront is becoming a reality through the work of the Empire State Development and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), an ESD subsidiary.

For decades Buffalo’s Inner Harbor and waterfront sat desolate and underutilized until 2005, when ECHDC spearheaded Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization, reclaiming the area as one of America’s brightest historical treasures. ECHDC’s mission is to revitalize Buffalo’s Inner and Outer Harbor areas and restore economic growth to Western New York, based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty.

As a result, our waterfront is being transformed with multiple locations for people to access and enjoy the water's edge.