In Rochester, New York, waterway revitalization is grabbing the attention of people at the grassroots and bringing them together to chart a common future. Organizations and communities with a stake in the waterways have worked to set aside the rivalries and political boundaries that have traditionally separated them and common agendas have emerged.

As a result, the City of Rochester is establishing itself as the center city of our region, an international city, and a tourism destination.

Rochester's fortunes have always been tied to its waterways. The city's location at the confluence of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and the Erie Canal assured that Rochester would be a boomtown as the nation expanded westward in the 19th century. The combination of water power for its industry and water transportation for its products attracted the many entrepreneurs that transformed a frontier outpost to a city known as the "Young Lion of the West." Long lines of loaded barges moved along the newly-constructed Erie Canal in the heart of the rapidly-growing city. On the Genesee River, three waterfalls flowing into a deep gorge turned the mill wheels which made Rochester one of the nation's leading flour-processing centers. The Port of Rochester on Lake Ontario became a major Great Lakes shipping hub and resort area. As technology and transportation preferences changed in the 20th century, and pollution increased, Rochester's working waterways became progressively underutilized and underappreciated.

Today, a spirit of entrepreneurship is again flourishing along the city's 22 miles of long-forgotten shoreline. Most important, we've again recognized that we share a waterway region. Partnerships between neighborhoods, businesses, towns, and city, county, state, and federal governments are moving us into a new era of celebration and development on Rochester's waterfronts. Organizations are working together to balance the demands of economic development and community needs within a regional vision.

• The Port of Rochester on Lake Ontario is being restored to its historic prominence as both an exciting maritime village and an international gateway. Collaboration between the city, feds, state, county, and neighboring towns resulted in a dynamic $100 million plan and investment strategy. Construction will begin this summer on the infrastructure improvements, new marina, riverfront promenades, passenger terminal, offices, shops, retail, and restaurants that will support an active recreational harbor with a pedestrian-oriented ambiance. At the same time, a Canadian company is proposing a $200 million fast-ferry service between Rochester and Toronto. This would create a major new transportation corridor between Canada and the United States. In addition to stimulating regional cultural, social, and economic cooperation between neighboring Canadian and American communities within the Lake Ontario region, the venture would make Rochester a major international port of entry and departure for Canadian, European, and Asian visitors.
• After years of neglect, the Erie Canal is again an important regional resource. The City of Rochester has supported communities up and down the canal in their efforts to obtain HUD funding to restore their historic waterfronts. The Erie Canal in Rochester's center city is also being reconstructed as one of seven major harbors along the statewide canal system. Landscaped walkways, restored bridges, and boat docks are in final design. Private developers have committed to building retail shops and 120 units of market-rate housing at the historic Corn Hill Landing. The Rochester section of the canal is also emerging as a world-class rowing and kayaking venue. Dozens of collegiate teams converge on Rochester every October for the Stonehurst Capital Regatta, considered one of the premier flatwater events in North America. This summer, national rowing teams from Australia and New Zealand will train on the Canal.
• Also in Rochester's center city, historic mills around a 96-foot waterfall are being restored as part of an important entertainment district. The wisdom of initial public investments of approximately $25 million in utilities, walkways, parking and a museum is being validated as private developers are renovating historic buildings for offices, restaurants, and entertainment centers. The cobbled streets of High Falls are filled with visitors from throughout the region during events and on weekend evenings.
• Rochester's extensive and historic riverfront park system, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, is currently being linked by a series of scenic trails. The result will be a riverfront greenway that will connect Lake Ontario with the Erie Canal and extend south to Letchworth State Park.

Our waterways preceded our political jurisdictions. Most of our communities would not exist, at least in their present form, if not for the influence of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River and its falls, and the Erie Canal. Historically, our water resources served as the framework and engine of settlement and industrial development. Today, their disregard of political boundaries -- and their incredible potential -- compel us to rethink our intermunicipal relationships. Rochester's waterways are reemerging as the focus of collaboration and entrepreneurship for regional prosperity.