Letter to Dr. Thomas A. Chambers, Chairman, Niagara Falls Heritage Area Commission

Letter

Dr. Thomas A. Chambers
Chairman
Niagara Falls Heritage Area Commission
c/o Fort Stanwix N.M.
112 E. Park Street
Rome, NY 13440

June 13, 2011

Dear Dr. Chambers,

I write today to urge the Niagara Falls Heritage Area Commission to prioritize rehabilitation of the Niagara Falls State Park as it lays the groundwork for a management plan for the Niagara Falls Heritage Area. I was proud to advocate the passage of legislation in Congress that authorized the Commission, and I look forward to the management plan that will soon be developed.

As development of the management plan begins, I urge the Commission to put a major emphasis on plans for rehabilitation of Niagara Falls State Park. Much has been reported lately regarding deteriorating conditions at the park. While the work needed to improve conditions at the park would be done in collaboration with New York State and other partners, the existence of the Niagara Falls Heritage Area Commission gives us a unique opportunity to create a plan that includes a focus on returning the park to its former glory. One of the major goals that will result from the management plan is the creation of interpretive presentations and programs that tell the story of the area's heritage. The Niagara Falls State Park will be home to many of these presentations and programs, and in order for this goal to be achieved, the park should be a world class destination for visitors, with trails and public areas looking as great as when the park first opened.

A management plan created by the Niagara Falls Heritage Area Commission will lay out the vision for an area spanning the entire American side of the Niagara Gorge, through the City of Niagara Falls, and north to the communities of Lewiston and Youngstown. Public and private partners are going to use this management plan to foster tourism and highlight the historic aspects of this area. A centerpiece of this area is the Niagara Falls State Park. A rehabilitation plan for the park included within the overall plan will be a great tool to use during the plan's implementation. I applaud the members of the Niagara Falls Heritage Area Commission for your commitment to honoring the history and beauty of the Niagara Falls region, and all residents of Western New York should be excited for what is to come from your work. I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

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