Published: August 13, 2008 09:15 pm      

LEGISLATURE: Niagara University gets onboard people mover

Niagara County’s people-mover concept is heading to the classroom.

Students from Niagara University will soon be asked to consider the potential costs and benefits of developing some sort of system to connect county visitors to the attractions they might like to see during their stay.

Members of the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee on Wednesday supported a resolution from Legislator John Ceretto, R-Lewiston, that asked, in part, to use $2,500 in county casino cash to allow students from the university to study the feasibility of a pilot program that would establish a trolley link between Niagara Falls and the Village of Lewiston. Ceretto said Niagara University professor William Angus has agreed to include a review of the people-mover concept as part of his undergraduate curriculum this fall.

“It will probably start off with the basics and go from there,” Ceretto said of the proposed student analysis. “I’m hoping they will see what I see — that this is an economic engine for Niagara County.”

The county’s Economic Development Committee has previously offered its support for a test version of what is being called the “Explore Niagara” transportation program. Planners are hoping to launch the test project during the 2009 tourist season. They also intend to hold a series of forums this fall to gauge public interest on the issue.

Ceretto’s request for the feasibility study was included in a $10,000 package of pet projects in his district that he is looking to fund with casino dollars. His resolution calls for another $7,500 to be split evenly among the Village of Lewiston, the Lewiston Museum and the Sanborn Winetique Festival. The village plans to use its money for beautification efforts at Academy Park. The Lewiston Museum needs the funds for security system upgrades. Funding for the Sanborn Winetique Festival would be used to promote and market the event.

Another resolution requesting casino funds was submitted by Legislators William Ross, C-Wheatfield, and Danny Sklarski, D-Wheatfield, who asked for $2,500 to support the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Local 1411 and its inaugural Smokin’ Eagles Barbecue Championship which will take place this weekend at the Summit Mall.

A third request was made by North Tonawanda Legislators Peter Smolinski, Andrew McNulty and Paul Wojtaszek who asked for $5,000 to support Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, Inc. and $2,500 for the Herschell Carrousel in the city.

Both resolutions were approved by the committee. All three will be brought before the full Legislature for approval on Sept. 2.

In other matters, the committee:

• Received a summary of the Harley Owners Group rally that was held July 11-13 in Niagara Falls. Rally organizer and HOG member Paul Fedorsak told committee members the three-day event drew about 1,700 Harley owners. Fedorsak said the group included riders from 29 states, Canada, England, Germany and Ireland. Rally organizers estimate that the event had an economic impact on the county of about $1.3 million.

Fedorsak said there were no accidents or incidents reported in connection with the rally and the success of the event has representatives from HOG’s national organization considering the Falls as a potential site for a future nationwide event.