Published: February 20, 2008 12:51 pm      

GLYNN: Federal funds eyed for Falls’ projects

Area political and transportation leaders are expected to endorse a plan Thursday that could open some doors to federal funds for long-delayed projects in Niagara Falls.

A Policy Committee meeting of the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council will be asked to approve a collaboration with the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership, the area’s largest business organization.

The session is being billed as a breakthrough — the first time the two groups have agreed on such an agenda — by principals in both groups.

Details have not been released but one item on the 2008 regional agenda is likely to be the proposed Niagara Experience Center, which could use a boost from the federal government. Mayor Paul Dyster, a strong supporter of the Experience Center, is expected to attend the meeting at the Niagara Falls Conference Center.

Some other items expected on today’s agenda: The planned train station in the city’s North End and the next phase in the ambitious expansion scheme at the Niagara Falls International Airport.

Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, urged the Federal Highway Administration to expedite its environmental review of the stalled-plan to convert the landmark U.S. Customs House near the Whirlpool Bridge into a new passenger train station.

Until that review is completed, the final design work cannot proceed. If the federal agency takes action soon, the Customs House renovations could be under way this year.

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PAYBACK TIME: The Niagara Falls School District mistakenly overpays 274 salary employees by one week, resulting in nearly $500,000 in accidental payments.

The employees have several options for repaying the money including a gradual payback over 16 months.

Why should it take so long for the district to get its money back? Oh well, it’s only the taxpayers’ funds.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Super 8 Motel, Niagara Falls Boulevard, is a finalist for the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s 2008 Stars of the Industry Gala March 10 at the Crowne Plaza, Albany.

The award recognizes the lodging property that demonstrates to residents that it is responsive to the local community.

Joseph Scrivani is general manager of the Super 8 here.

“The tourism and hospitality industry has never been more critical to the well-being of the state’s economy,” said Daniel Murphy, president of the statewide association.

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THE INSIDE STORY: Author Tina Brown, who is writing a book about Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, will be at the Center for the Arts on the University of Buffalo Amherst Campus March 5 as part of the UB Distinguished Speakers Series.

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A FAMILIAR LINE: Make no mistake about it, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson can be funny at times.

Wilson, 89, was in a sit-down comic role during the news conference where he talked about the agreement to bring eight Bills’ games to Rogers Centre (the former SkyDome) in Toronto over the next five years.

“I don’t know as much about Canada as I should,” Wilson said. “In my younger days, though, I was particularly familiar with Canada, especially Canadian Club.”

Contact reporter Don Glynn at (716) 282-2311, Ext. 2246.