More than $2.5 million in federal funding is on its way to Western New York to continue efforts to restore and revitalize the Buffalo River, Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins announced Tuesday. The funding, $2,522,950, was awarded under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"For years, the Buffalo River, once a scenic gem of our Western N.Y. waterways, has been plagued by pollution, but thanks to the work of dedicated community leaders and the historic funding in the bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law we championed, we are turning the tide on this trend. I’m proud to help deliver this vital $2.5+ million in funding to restore critical habitat for wildlife in the Buffalo River," said Sen. Schumer. "This major investment will not only help clean up our waterways and restore wildlife habitat, it will also boost Buffalo, protect our environment and combat the impacts of climate change. Investing in the Buffalo River means investing in the future of Western New York, and I will continue fighting to ensure future generations can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Western NY’s waterways."

The funding will be used to support Buffalo River Area of Concern project management; river sediment, habitat and wildlife restoration; and related public outreach.

"The Buffalo River was once so polluted it was set ablaze,” said Congressman Higgins. "Thanks to years of work by community stewards and millions of dollars of federal investments today the Buffalo River is a destination for recreation, residential living, and private sector investment. This grant continues the progress we are making revitalizing Buffalo’s waterfront and waterways."

This investment will also expedite the delisting of the Buffalo River and other sites as "Areas of Concern" after it was identified as such in the 1980s.