Despite waves of economic uncertainty - and likely increases in taxes and fees in the city of Dunkirk, there was a ripple of hope for leaders this week.
Steve Neratko, city development director, told members of the Common Council Economic Development Committee about an initiative between the city, Fredonia State University, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a field station facility along the harborfront.
"There will be scientists from both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services as well as the DEC," Neratko told committee members. "There will also be SUNY Fredonia students, professors, high school students, really this is going to be utilized by a lot of people."
Included in the plans are a new watercraft vessel for lake exploration, a two- to three-story facility and a center for visitors. "In a lot of areas the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners with private industry. This could really bring in other businesses that could help out," Neratko noted later in the meeting.
Besides this potential project adding traffic and excitement to the area, it also builds on our most precious and underutilized resource - Lake Erie.
