HEROES AT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

When the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance salutes the NYC Economic Development Corporation on October 9 at the Heroes of the Harbor Awards Dinner, a group of hardworking people will stand and proudly receive your applause.

The agency is at the forefront of the profound changes that have occurred throughout New York City over the past decade. These projects touch every type of waterfront resource across all five boroughs, ranging from massive civil works such as the $250 million water siphon -- connecting Staten Island and the City's water supply system under the Narrows -- to the $100 million investment in new port and rail infrastructure on the Brooklyn waterfront. NYCEDC has also led the efforts for the purchase, design and construction of a new rail freight connection to Staten Island, the strong revival of Coney Island, the restoration of a viable ferry service on the East River, and the construction of new waterfront parks in West Harlem, Hunts Point, Hunters Point, Sunset Park, St. George, and along the East River (above right).

This year, NYCEDC launched the PortNYC initiative to create greater awareness among the transportation community and general public of the City's strategic seaport and inland transportation facilities that tie the City into the national and world economy. In addition, NYCEDC not only plans and builds waterfront infrastructure, it also maintains these facilities on behalf of the City, ensuring that these transformative projects can be enjoyed by all New Yorkers for years to come.