North Tonawanda: Ortt announces opening of Meadow Drive extension

North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt, Congressman Brian Higgins, State Sen. George Maziarz, City Attorney Shawn Nickerson and other local officials participated in a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday for the long-awaited Meadow Drive extension, which will expand from west to east between Nash Road and Erie Avenue.

The project, which utilized $1.4 million in federal funds, along with state and local funds, has been in the works since 2006.

"This is a long-overdue and much-needed extension that will not only provide short-term construction jobs, but will also result in better traffic flow and connect Payne Avenue and our mid-city business district to Erie Avenue and a budding commercial/industrial corridor," Ortt said. "Despite numerous road blocks, some unforeseen, others unnecessary, and thanks to the collective efforts of City Attorney Shawn Nickerson, city engineer Dale Marshall and our Common Council, working together with my office, this project is finally a reality."

Higgins said, "This project adds an important link in the infrastructure chain connecting people, businesses and neighborhoods. With this significant federal commitment, we are reinvesting in our communities, putting people to work and nation building here at home." 

The work was completed by DiPizio Construction Co. Inc., which was awarded the bid on the project. Parsons Brinckerhoff was the design engineer.

Officials participating in Tuesday's event, from left: Alderman-at-Large Mal Needler, City Clerk-Treasurer Scott Kiedrowski, State Sen. George Maziarz, Congressman Brian Higgins, Assemblyman John Ceretto, City Engineer Dale Marshall, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, Mayor Robert G. Ortt, City Attorney Shawn Nickerson, Common Council President/First Ward Alderman Russ Rizzo and Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres.