The Niagara Falls City Council has approved the next step in the $25 million plan to construct an International Railway Station. Some council members voiced concerns over the city's financial responsibilities to the plan, but Mayor Paul Dyster says all members voted in favor after listening to some powerful constituents.
The Monday meeting featured a strong presence from local labor determined to secure the project and its estimated 200 full time construction jobs over a two-year period.
According to Dyster, the unanimous vote gives him authority to negotiate key agreements to transform the historic Customs House into a modern rail hub
"We're really lucky to be in a position where we're constructing the international railway station on the line that's going to connect two of the great cities of North America -- Toronto, Ontario and New York City -- with high-speed rail," Dyster told WBFO News.
While most of the construction cost is being covered by state and federal monies, the financially-strapped city is committed to spending $3.2 million on the conversion of the historic Customs House into a modern rail hub.
Planners are hoping to break ground later this year with completion slated for 2015.
