Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Governor Cuomo says Empire State Development received over 100 submissions from various areas of New York and across the United States, and even some international entries from Canada, Italy, India and China for the Skyway Corridor Competition.
"We've received responses from across the country and beyond for creative ideas that re-imagine the Skyway corridor and propose innovative ways to benefit the Buffalo community," Governor Cuomo said. "A new vision for the Skyway corridor will be the latest step forward in the continued revitalization and resurgence of Buffalo, and we're looking forward to reviewing the proposals that can make it a reality."
"Our innovative Skyway design competition will help to build upon the remarkable transformation of Buffalo's waterfront," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "With more visitors making their way to our waterfront, we need to reimagine the future and harness new ideas for the transportation needs of today and tomorrow. These initial submissions are a great start for this important initiative."
Participants are being challenged to share solutions that could be implemented with a degree of affordability, feasibility and technical achievability, particularly with regard to accommodating anticipated traffic. The winning design proposal will be awarded a $100,000 prize, second place will be awarded $50,000 and third place will be awarded $25,000. Winners will be announced in September.
Up to 20 Part 1 respondents determined to have met the evaluation factors will be invited to provide a Part 2 submission, set to open Monday, July 15. Requirements for the Part 2 submission will include a full technical proposal and finished graphics, suitable for gallery presentation.
A jury of experts has been assembled to judge the Part 2 submissions and will hear from finalists in an event setting to select the three prize winners. Jury members will consider factors including: the costs to realize and fund a particular vision; how well a vision's benefits are quantified and demonstrate how they would outweigh the costs to complete; and how well the plan could accommodate future daily traffic between downtown and the Southtowns.
