Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has announced the appointment of Daniel Castle, ACIP as Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“ECDEP”). Castle previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Planning and Economic Development since July 2019 and has been closely involved with various planning and infrastructure initiatives.

“Mr. Castle is very familiar with the functions, services, and programs of ECDEP. He has been at the forefront of planning and economic development in our region and his knowledge, expertise, and ability to help foster collaborative relationships throughout Western New York will be of great value in his role as Commissioner,” said Poloncarz. “I look forward to working with Dan in continuing to develop Erie County into a community that is more sustainable and protects and enhances our natural resources.”

As Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Planning and Economic Development, Castle was responsible for advancing numerous strategic initiatives, including the Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee, the Renaissance Commerce Park Generic EIS , the Erie County Agribusiness Park Master Plan, the ErieNet Broadband development, Community Development Block Grant program, the Office of Agriculture, the Erie Arts & Cultural Advisory Board, and planning and design of the Shoreline Trail extension.

In his new role as Commissioner, Castle will oversee the Division of Planning and Economic Development, the Division of Environmental Compliance Services, and the Division of Sewerage Management.

Castle’s appointment as Commissioner will now go to the Erie County Legislature for approval. He replaces the recently retired Thomas Hersey as ECDEP Commissioner.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Environment & Planning, visit www.erie.gov/environment/