Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) says over $30 million in capital grants to Erie County will support economic development along the Transit Road commercial corridor, including the redevelopment of the Eastern Hills Mall into a mixed-use town center to include residential, commercial, hospitality, entertainment, and recreation uses. Erie County will receive a crucial $30 million grant to expand and improve the sewer system along Transit Road, including the installation of a new sewer line and construction of a new pumping station.

“This project is critical to current and future residents and businesses in the towns of Clarence, Amherst and the Transit Road corridor,” said Senator Gallivan. “The improvements are instrumental to the planned redevelopment of the Eastern Hills Mall site and will further support the regional economy by encouraging future growth in the area. I thank Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the State Legislature, and our partners in local government for working together to make this project a reality for the community.”

“Senator Gallivan was instrumental in helping to secure this funding for this generational project,” said Clarence Town Supervisor Patrick Casilio. "I am grateful to him for seeing the value of the redevelopment of Eastern Hills Mall that has the potential to be the largest private investment project in Western New York. While it will be a self-sustaining central core of Clarence, the positive benefits of this project will be felt region wide.”

"From the moment I was elected, this project was a priority of mine,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna. “I’ve been proud to work alongside state, county, and local partners to help move this project forward. This is the most transformative infrastructure investment Northern Erie County has seen in decades, and it’s a perfect example of how government can and should work. Leaders from different municipalities and different political perspectives came together around a shared goal—making smart investments that drive long-term economic growth for our region. I appreciate Governor Hochul's efforts in advancing priorities of local leaders in Western New York.”

"I'm glad to see the state saw the importance of making sewer improvements along Transit Road, specifically at Eastern Hills Mall, which is targeted for an incredible mixed-use project,” said Erie County Legislator Chris Greene. “This $30 million grant is very significant to getting the needed work done, turning the Mall site into an important development that will offer residential and retail space.  This was the final step necessary to make the project a reality."

"Limited sewer capacity has been an expensive obstacle standing in the way of growth in Amherst and Clarence — in particular, inhibiting the redevelopment of the Eastern Hills Mall into an exciting Town Center,” said Buffalo Niagara Partnership CEO Dottie Gallagher. “The BNP highlighted this investment as a Regional Priority Project in our 2026 Advocacy Agenda, and we are thrilled Governor Hochul has made it a reality. The BNP thanks Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Patrick Gallivan, Assemblyman Paul Bologna, and County Executive Mark Poloncarz for their efforts to enable transformative new development and unlock over $1 billion in private investment."

The $30 million grant will allow the county to expand and improve sewer infrastructure along Transit Road, including the installation of a new sewer line and construction of a new pumping station. Improvements to wastewater facilities are also planned in both the Town of Clarence and Amherst.

Erie County has already commissioned a study and provided $3 million for design and engineering. It also secured a $1.6 million commitment from the Towns of Clarence and Amherst.

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