Assemblyman John D. Ceretto (R,I-Lewiston) today congratulated the Aquarium of Niagara and the USA Niagara Development Corporation after the USA Niagara Board of Directors authorized funding for a complete facility assessment of the Aquarium of Niagara. The board also approved funding for a downtown hotel renovation and an agreement to rehabilitate unused portions of the old Rainbow Mall.
“Since taking office, I have been pushing for an expansion of this economic development footprint in downtown Niagara Falls,” said Assemblyman Ceretto. “I sponsored legislation last year with Senator Grisanti to expand the footprint, and asked the Empire State Development Corporation’s (ESDC) legal counsel to explore whether or not the USAN Board could expand its economic development initiatives without state legislation. Our efforts got the ball rolling.”
After the July 2011 board meeting, Ceretto and Grisanti co-signed a letter to Leecia Eve, then-legal counsel for ESDC, asking for clarification. The Empire State Development Corporation found USAN could expand its own footprint. In August 2011, the boundary was expanded north of Main Street to include the Aquarium.
“This facility assessment is an important first step toward any renovation or expansion efforts at the Aquarium,” said Ceretto. “I look forward to seeing its progress over the coming months and years.”
- Assemblyman Ceretto Supports “Alternative 3” Plan for Waterfront Redevelopment
- Assemblyman Ceretto Calls For Fiscal Responsibility, Votes Against Debt Service Bill
- Assemblyman Ceretto Joins Assembly Minority Leader to Oppose Extension of Utility Tax
- Assemblyman John Ceretto to Gov. Cuomo: Restore Developmental Disability Funding
- Ceretto Bill to Protect Consumers and Firefighters Passes Assembly