The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) has been awarded $62 million for 105 projects. These build on the region’s assets to invest in the future. One of these projects is Aquarium of Niagara, which is getting $400K. The projects are in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.
Satish K. Tripathi, president of the University at Buffalo and WNYREDC co-chair said, “The REDC funding is an investment to help our communities continue the transformative momentum spreading across Western New York. With the support of the state and our entire region over the last six years, this collective support, along with our ‘Buffalo Billion’ investments, has and will be instrumental in ensuring that Western New York a very bright future.”
“A Strategy for Prosperity, ” The Western New York region’s 2011 strategic plan builds upon the region’s strategic advantages in key industry sectors, one of these being tourism.
A highlight of the awards is that given to Aquarium of Niagara for its renovation work.
Aquarium of Niagara awarded $400, 000
The colony of Humboldt penguins at Aquarium of Niagara is one of Niagara’s leading attractions. The award will enable the aquarium to create a new penguin exhibit to house them. This new Humboldt Penguin Exhibit will therefore help increase visitor numbers to the aquarium. The exhibit will involve new programming and interactive features. It will also add weight to the aquarium’s application for accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The aquarium was founded in June 1965. Its mission statement is “to broaden the public’s awareness of aquatic ecosystems through innovative and stimulating exhibits, displays, and educational and recreational programs that promote conservation and support research.”
The aquarium’s 1500 inhabitants include sharks, Humboldt penguins and harbor seals. It is also home to California sea lions, sea horses and a tidal pool exhibit.
Penguin kind courtesy Aquarium of Niagara
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2016/12/09/126935/western-new-york-redc-awarded-62-million-for-105-projects-including-400k-for-aquarium-of-niagara
