Funding to restore the Great Lakes in a way that will make waterways cleaner in Western New York is on its way. It's thanks to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan that more than $3 million will be spent on improvements over the next five years.

Half a century ago, the Buffalo River was deemed biologically dead from years of industrial pollution. Congressman Brian Higgins says this influx in cash is a defining moment for a local push to change that.

“I am calling on the Environmental Protection Agency for a full restoration of the Buffalo River and for a date certain action plan to de-list the river as an area of concern,” Higgins said. “This project restores our natural environment and makes more viable other projects like the Riverline and the DLNW Terminal.”

A Great Lakes Restoration Initiative study shows that each federal dollar invested in their projects yields a $3.35 return across all Great Lakes region.

In Buffalo, the return is even higher at around $4 for every dollar invested.

Across the Buffalo Olmsted Park System, a project is underway to remove and replace three dozen trees. Park leaders say the project is funded with a $75,000 grant from the state DEC.

It’s part of an effort to limit the damage and prevent the spread of the Emerald Ask Borer, an invasive species environmentalists say has killed hundreds of millions of trees across North America.

"Emerald Ash Borer was introduced to America accidental just over two decades ago and after that introduction it has had negative effects on the natural ash population,” Michael Sawyer, forestry manager at the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, said. “It's been introduced to Erie County just over a decade ago. The scope of the entire removal list comprises 37 trees. There will be seven trees removed from Cazenovia Park."

The city of Buffalo is also set to help plant an additional $18,000 worth of trees to help the district.