Congressman Langworthy Touts New Funding for Barcelona Harbor Restoration in House Appropriations
WESTFIELD, NY – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) participated in a press conference highlighting the federal push to fund the restoration of Barcelona Harbor. Congressman Langworthy successfully included nearly $6 million in funding for this project in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H. R. 4394), which was passed by the House in October 2023.
"The Barcelona Harbor is the lifeblood of our community, serving as a vital hub for economic activity and recreation along Lake Erie's coastline, though severe degradation threatens this way of life,” said Congressman Langworthy. “I want to thank Senator Schumer, County Executive Wendel, and other local officials for their invaluable collaboration in maintaining and restoring this crucial asset, including our work to ensure dredging was complete before last year’s summer season. I’m proud to advocate for an additional $6 million in federal resources to complete a needed breakwall to protect the harbor, which passed as part of the House’s Energy and Water Appropriations bill last October. Working together to preserve Barcelona Harbor means protecting the livelihoods of the people and businesses who rely on it in Western New York and the Southern Tier.”
Congressman Langworthy was joined by Senator Chuck Schumer, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, Town of Westfield Supervisor Martha Bliss, and Watershed Coordinator Dave McCoy. Senator Schumer has worked to include this funding in Senate appropriations legislation as part of a collaborative push with Congressman Langworthy to ensure federal support for the restoration project.
“Barcelona Harbor is one of the true gems of Chautauqua County – and a hub of its vibrant tourist economy – but the failing west breakwater allowing sediment to wash in threatens residents’ harbor use and the local tourism economy. In 2022, I secured the funding needed to finally get dredging underway at Barcelona Harbor, and now I am here to say I have secured $7.5 million in additional funding to ensure the restoration of Barcelona Harbor can go full steam ahead,” said Senator Schumer. “Now as we enter final budget negotiations, I will be fighting to protect this funding, navigate the choppy waters and deliver this funding in the final appropriations bills for Chautauqua County to finally repair the Barcelona Harbor breakwater.”
"I extend my deepest gratitude to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his unyielding support in fortifying Westfield's Barcelona Harbor. His resolute commitment to bolstering Lake Erie's trade, commerce, and tourism in Chautauqua County underscores the crucial significance of our region's economic vitality. Furthermore, the Senator's dedication to enhancing marine and boater safety ensures that our harbor thrives as a safe and thriving hub, further solidifying its position in promoting both economic prosperity and the well-being of those who navigate our waters. Together, with bipartisan cooperation, we can ensure the sustained growth and prosperity of our region, fostering a legacy of economic strength and safety for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful for the combined efforts of Senator Schumer, and Congressman Nick Langworthy, in championing Barcelona Harbor's pivotal role in driving the economic and recreational engine of Chautauqua County," said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.
“We are so happy to receive this exciting news. Senator Schumer and Congressman Langworthy have been unwavering in their effort to fix the problems at Barcelona Harbor,” said Town of Westfield Supervisor Martha Bills. “The Town of Westfield is very grateful for their support and that of County Executive Wendel and his team as we have worked together to keep the harbor functioning.”