Buffalo Sewer Authority unveils $1B “Queen City Clean Waters” initiative

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — On just his second day in office, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, alongside the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA), elected officials and community stakeholders, introduced the $1 billion Queen City Clean Waters initiative.

"How often on your second day as mayor do you have the opportunity to introduce to city residents and Buffalo Sewer Authority customers a historic $1 billion investment in our critical wastewater infrastructure?" Scanlon said.

Members of the BSA said they have been hard at work trying to address stormwater concerns across the Queen City.

During heavy rainfall and snow melt events, stormwater enters the sewer system and combines with wastewater. That amount of water can lead to overflows which are then discharged into several waterways such as the Niagara River, Buffalo River, Lake Erie and Scajaquada Creek.

OJ McFoy, the CEO of Buffalo Sewer Authority, said Buffalo's waterways play a significant role in the city and that's one of the big reasons why the investment is so important.

"We want to make sure that not only does our facility for cleaning everyone's water play such a critical and important part to our city and city's development, but moving forward it is vitally important that we continue to do that good work," McFoy said.

Scanlon said this is more than an investment in wastewater infrastructure — it's an investment into the residents who have dealt with water issues for quite some time.

"It's an historic investment in Buffalo and Western New York waterways," Scanlon said. "As well as the people and the community throughout the city that have experienced more of the adverse health, environmental, and economic impacts from storm sewer overflows."

Jill Jedlicka, the executive director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, said the organization has been advocating for clean water for 35 years. She said it's refreshing to work with and share the same goals of the BSA of prioritizing the health of the city's waterways.

"The more that we can work together to make sure that people are aware that these waters are still safe to recreate in, these waters are still a benefit to our local economy, the better," Jedlicka said. "We just have to work together to make sure that everybody is a part of that solution."

McFoy said having the community involved in this initiative is vital. He plans on continuing to work with community stakeholders such as Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to make sure everyone shares a common goal throughout the process.

The BSA will host informational workshops to inform potential design consultants, construction contractors and vendors of initiative opportunities. Find more information here .