Grisanti praises confirmation of Howard Zemsky as chairman of NFTA board of commissioners

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-I-Buffalo, applauded the confirmation of Western New York businessman and philanthropist Howard A. Zemsky to the position of chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority by the State Senate Tuesday. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had nominated Zemsky, who replaces acting chairman Henry Sloma, for the volunteer position in March.

"The confirmation of Howard Zemsky as chairman of the NFTA signifies a great day for not only the NFTA, but for Western New York as a whole," Grisanti said. "Mr. Zemsky is a passionate advocate for our community with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the needs of Western New York's economy and the role of the NFTA in supporting those who rely on the agency to meet their transportation needs."

The NFTA runs public transportation services in Erie and Niagara counties, including Metro Bus and Metro Rail, as well as the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Niagara Falls International Airport. The NFTA also operates a downtown bus terminal and a large marina at Buffalo's Small Boat Harbor.

In lauding the selection and confirmation of Zemsky, Grisanti cited Zemsky's record of accomplishment for Western New York.

"Howard Zemsky possesses an unparalleled commitment to the community. His accomplishments on projects such as the old Larkin Soap Co. warehouse on Exchange Street, the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House in north Buffalo and the effort to restore the landmark Richardson Olmsted Complex on Forest Avenue are helping to change the landscape of Western New York for the better. The fact that he is bringing that passion and expertise to the NFTA will certainly make the NFTA a stronger and more efficient organization."

Grisanti noted that Zemsky is also co-chairman of the Western New York Regional Economic Council, which recently won $103 million in state economic development funding.

"Governor Cuomo clearly has a great deal of confidence in Howard's ability," Grisanti said. "As we continue to work for the betterment of the people and businesses of Western New York, I cannot think of a better choice to lead the NFTA."