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Niagara Experience Center
Niagara Falls, New York
USA Niagara is currently working with Western New York’s leading cultural and heritage experts on the planning and development of a new attraction known as the Niagara Experience Center (NEC). The NEC will serve as an authentic, cultural tourism attraction that will encourage complimentary, high-quality, private investment in hotel, food, and entertainment in the immediate downtown area.
Using cutting-edge entertainment technologies, the NEC will immerse the visitor in the real Niagara experience, allowing them to get closer than they are able to in real life. The NEC will serve as a unique “destination attraction” for tourists of all ages.
Niagara Falls is home to the country’s oldest state park and its cultural assets are unmatched by most regions in the country. With the recent creation of the Niagara Greenway and the National Heritage River designation underway, the region’s wealth of natural features and historical events are keys in the creation of a first-rate attraction that will extend the length of stay for visitors in Niagara Falls, New York.
In March 2002, Governor Pataki announced New York State’s commitment of $10 million in capital funding for the NEC. Since then, a non-profit corporation, Niagara Experience Center, Inc. (NEC Inc.) was formed to spearhead the project. Its board is made up of various cultural and educational leaders in the community. USA Niagara serves as staff to the NEC, Inc. Board and has administered the undertaking of market analyses, design charrettes, and master plan development for the project.
In August 2006, under an agreement to distribute 2004 and 2005 funds associated with the Seneca Gaming Compact, NEC, Inc. will receive $3 million to support the design and planning of the project; costs related to site acquisition, assembly, and preparation; and to undertake required assessments under the New York State Environment Quality Review Act .
USA Niagara continues to support the development of this project as an important public-private partnership that will be instrumental in revitalizing the local economy and once again repositioning Niagara Falls, USA as a world-class tourist destination. The project’s consultants and the NEC Board of directors recently completed site programming, urban design and comprehensive feasibility analysis.
To find out additional information on the NEC, Inc., please click here and you will be directed to the NEC, Inc. official website.
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