Ceretto votes to dissolve Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority

Said he hopes resolution can be found

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, voted Wednesday to dissolve the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, which is the subject of a dispute between the state of New York and the Canadian authorities. Ceretto voted in favor of dissolution in order to speed up needed improvements to the Peace Bridge on the American side, improvements which his camp said are being held up by the Bridge Authority.

Ceretto said he still believes a resolution between New York and the Canadian authorities can be reached.

"My top priority for the Peace Bridge is to see the desperately needed improvements come to fruition as soon as possible. These improvements will bring much needed economic development to Niagara Falls to promote tourism and job creation," Ceretto said. "These improvements have been discussed for 15 years. The people need action on these important economic development initiatives. Lets move forward and get them done."

The dispute between New York and the Canadian authorities centers around improvements that need to be made on the American side of the Peace Bridge. A pre-inspection facility needs to be built in Fort Erie in order to improve the flow of traffic. Ceretto's team said the Canadians have stalled on this critical improvement. This has resulted in a stalemate in negotiations that has forced this vote to dissolve the Bridge Authority so that improvements on the American side can move forward.

"My vote reflects what is right for my constituents in Niagara Falls. The situation has to be improved," Ceretto said. "If the Bridge Authority will not work with us, then we need to act unilaterally to make the improvements that will economically benefit the people of Niagara Falls."