While the state Assembly and the Senate have passed legislation to dissolve the Peace Bridge Authority, Governor Andrew Cuomo has yet to sign off on the bill. A top official says the administration is still looking for a resolution to the dispute. Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Gary Doer tells The Buffalo News legislation to break up the Peace Bridge Authority could lead to a lengthy court battle and more delays to bridge improvement projects.
During a stop in Amherst Wednesday, Lt. Governor Robert Duffy emphasized that Cuomo has one year to sign the bill. After two recent meetings with Authority Chairman Anthony Annunizata, Duffy says the goal is to get back to the table and fix the problem.
"We're trying to stay above the fray. It's a lot of cannon shots being fired back and forth, occasionally. I think that is counterproductive and I think what happens is that we lose confidence of the public if we can't resolve these issues at the table," Duffy says.
"[There are] enough very smart talented people involved on both sides. Time to get it done and put all the bickering aside. Let's get working on producing world-class facilities on both sides of the border."
Western New York's state representatives pushed the legislation after growing frustrated with the lack of improvements made to the bridge plaza in Buffalo.
Lawmakers say breaking up the bi-national authority will benefit the community by giving residents a say in Peace Bridge operations.