Riverline project that sought to create nature corridor in Buffalo is no more

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Riverline project, which aimed to create a 1.5-mile nature trail that would connect an area just south of Canalside to a portion of the Buffalo River in South Buffalo, is dead seven years after it was first announced.

The two major parties involved in the multi-million dollar project, the NFTA and the Western New York Land Conservancy, both confirmed in statements to WIVB News 4 that they are no longer working together to see out the project.

The trail was slated to cut through the Perry and First Ward neighborhoods, ending around a spot on the Buffalo River near the Tesla Gigafactory. It sought to transform an unused rail line, which is owned by the NFTA.

The NFTA said they "respect, though regret" the Land Conservancy's decision to withdraw from the development role in the project, while the Land Conservancy said it was the NFTA that decided it would not work with their organization to see out the project.

Both parties said the money allotted for the project will still go toward improving the area.

Rep. Tim Kennedy (D) said in a statement he was "extremely disappointed" about the project being abandoned.

"Our community deserves better than another broken promise," Kennedy said. "I was proud to deliver funding for this project as a State Senator and looked forward to delivering more resources as a Member of Congress. I am calling on the NFTA and all relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to get this project back on track.”