Ceretto applauds passage of tightrope-walker bill

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, is pleased to announce the passage of legislation to allow Nik Wallenda of the legendary Flying Wallendas family to traverse the Niagara Falls River Gorge on a high wire. Ceretto noted that the event would help promote tourism and increase local revenue for the economically distressed region.

"The passage of this bill is good news for our region's tourism industry and will help attract attention to the American side of Niagara Falls while bringing in needed local revenue," said Ceretto. "I pleased that I could do my part to pass this bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues from both parties to pass additional measures to help strengthen Western New York's tourism industry."

"The news that both legislative houses in New York approved of my request in such overwhelming numbers has thrilled me beyond belief. This one-of-a-kind event will be noticed all over the world and the spectacular nature of it could only happen in Niagara Falls," said Nik Wallenda. "It is with enormous gratitude that I thank Senator George Maziarz and assemblymen John Ceretto and Dennis Gabryszak for their belief. I promise I will not let them down."

A seventh-generation tightrope walker, Wallenda holds two world records for his high-wire performances. He also is the star of the upcoming Discovery Channel show "Life on a Wire," which will focus on his high-wire exploits.

Ceretto thanked Maziarz and Gabryszak for their work in helping to pass this pro-tourism bill.

Related:

Nik Wallenda discussed his plan to traverse the Niagara Falls Gorge on the "Today" show. The Discovery Channel star and high-wire performer thanked the assemblymen and state senator on NBC's morning show. See NBC video.