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

Fostered by the construction of the Erie Canal, the Buffalo waterfront was the historic impetus of the region’s economic development, as well as one of the nation’s most important historic and natural resources. Prior to ESD and ECHDC spearheading Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization, the loss of major industrial and shipping business during the 1970s had left the areas encompassing Buffalo’s Inner Harbor, along the Buffalo River, and Outer Harbor, along Lake Erie, desolate and underutilized. ECHDC’s mission is to reclaim and 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 recreational and cultural activities along the water's edge.