NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- After more than 50 years as the Robert Moses Parkway, the roadway that cuts Niagara Falls off from the river is a getting a new name: The Niagara Scenic Parkway.
At the announcement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo also acknowledged the larger, lingering issue.
"The Robert Moses Parkway was a mistake. It was a mistake. You don't block off your greatest asset, which is your waterfront," said Gov. Cuomo, D-New York. "You don't close off communities. It was a mistake."
In an effort to correct that mistake, Cuomo announced in March the state is dedicating $42 million to replace the parkway with more open space, scenic overlooks and trails.
"I think changing the name of the remaining portion of the roadway is important in a practical sense, but I think also psychologically important for people of the region," said Mayor Paul Dyster, D-Niagara Falls.
Cuomo also announce announced a $17 million plan aimed at boosting tourism at one of the world’s most famous state parks, Niagara Falls.
"Tourism is a vital part of the economy here and that's all part of parks and economic development. They're symbiotic and they help one another and the governor understands that," said New York Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey.
The removal of the parkway is expected to begin in 2018 and should take about two years to complete.