It appears the flap over how the Peace Bridge is run is not over yet. As WBFO's Chris Caya reports, a bill proposed to dissolve the Buffalo and Ft. Erie Public Bridge Authority is still alive in Albany.
The proposed legislation and the Cuomo Administration's letter to Ottawa calling for the resignation of Peace Bridge General Manager Ron Rienas caused an uproar in Canada. But State Senator George Maziarz, who co-sponsored the bill to dissolve the ten-member binational Bridge Authority, tells WBFO News he expects it will start moving when the Legislature returns next week.
Maziarz says "there no chance" it will be pulled back.
"This thing has been talked about for 20 years now. We measure this not in terms of days, weeks, months or years, but decades. And it's time that we move. The Canadians have their beautiful new entryway and truck plaza. It's our turn," said Maziarz.
Delays can be lengthy entering the U.S. on the Peace Bridge. It handles nearly $100 million worth of commercial cargo daily, helping to make Canada New York's largest trading partner. During a stop in Niagara County Monday, WBFO News asked U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand if she has reached out the Cuomo Administration to express any concerns.
"They are very well aware we are available to help, in any capacity, if they need our help," said Gillibrand.
Gillibrand says the Canadians are great friends and allies and she thinks "we can figure this out."
As soon as it is, Senator Maziarz says he believes Governor Cuomo is going to turn his attention to the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission which runs the region's three other international crossings.