Millions in federal dollars are on their way to Niagara County.
A total of $3.5 million will support the Niagara County Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund. This will help fund several projects, where crews will come and clean abandoned and vacant properties. Priority sites are located adjacent to waterways and include a 36-acre former manufacturing facility, three former gasoline stations, an electric rail car storage and repair facility, and several rail maintenance facilities.
This funding comes from an infrastructure law with bipartisan support in Washington.
"Niagara County and Buffalo have too many toxic eyesores and contaminated sites – from abandoned gas stations to defunct industrial sights that drive down property values and put public health at risk. But now thanks to this major $5.5 million federal investment, powered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I championed, we can accelerate the cleanup and reuse of contaminated eyesores in Western NY, making our communities healthier and cleaner, all while creating good-paying jobs and new development opportunities that enhance local tax rolls," said Sen. Chuck Schumer. "The Brownfields program has had tremendous success in transforming sites like these into areas of new growth and will supercharge cleanup and redevelopment efforts at lots across Western NY. I am proud to deliver this federal investment to revitalize our communities and will always fight for a brighter and cleaner future for Western N.Y."
Niagara County also receiving $1.5 million in Brownfields Assessment Grant. That cash will allow local officials to conduct nearly 50 site assessments in Niagara Falls, Lockport and North Tonawanda. Priority sites include seven vacant parcels with a history of industrial use; a former rail yard; a nearly 4-acre parcel formerly used as a gas station, auto repair facility, and dry cleaner; and a vacant city block with eight parcels that formerly housed dry cleaners, gas stations, and other sites with a history of manufacturing and commercial use.