Brady PieperGov. Kathy Hochul is unveiling a Request for Proposals (RFP) to design and develop a new cruise ship terminal along the Buffalo River in Buffalo. The project, led by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), will accept proposals until May 7 and is expected to support domestic and international cruise operations starting as early as 2027.
“Adding Buffalo as a terminal on a Great Lakes cruise itinerary is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Buffalo and Western New York,” Gov. Hochul said. “Buffalo is well-positioned as a destination in the growing industry, allowing the city and region to benefit from the increased visitors and resulting positive economic impact.”
The RFP comes after the state evaluated Buffalo’s port infrastructure, facilities and feasibility for Great Lakes Cruises’ move to New York. The evaluation, titled the Market Demand Study, outlines the potential economic impacts of a new cruise facility development and provides recommendations on moving the project forward.
The 100-page study identifies six sites along the Buffalo waterfront as priority locations for development. The study recommends the final site for this project at the south berth space of Slip 2, which was formerly the location of the Pier Restaurant.
ECHDC will pursue proposals that include, but are not limited to, schematic design, permitting, design development, construction documents and signature submittals. The awarded consultant will work with ECHDC and other federal, state and local partners through the life of the contract.
The planned cruise terminal will involve a substantial upgrade to the current site, which will include improvements to seawalls, site remediation, enhanced public access, landscaping and the construction of facilities for customs processing and restrooms.
Buffalo’s strategic location and established tourism infrastructure position it as a viable homeport for cruises, according to the study. The city’s proximity to airports, hotels and major tourist attractions further supports its potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Potential consultants will have an opportunity to visit the proposed project site on April 15, as long as prospective bidders RSVP and complete a sign-in sheet onsite. The final day to submit proposals for New York’s cruise terminal development is May 7.
ECHDC anticipates announcing the successful bidder and initiating the partnership in early June. For more information on the RFP and cruise terminal project, see Empire State Development’s Buffalo Cruise Terminal Improvements page.
Enhancing Buffalo’s waterfront continues with additional developments slated for completion in 2024, including the Wilkeson Pointe Improvement Project and the Gateway Building at Canalside. These initiatives, along with the cruise terminal project, are part of the governor’s broader plan to revitalize the region and foster economic growth through increased tourism.
Image by Susann Mielke from Pixabay
