Ceretto, Grisanti Applaud Economic Development Expansion
Assemblyman John Ceretto (R,I-Lewiston) and Senator Mark Grisanti (R-60th District) today applauded the expansion of the USA Niagara Development Corporation
and its footprint north of Main Street in Niagara Falls's struggling downtown. The expansion includes the Aquarium of Niagara, which will be a
boost for the region's tourism industry.
"The expansion of USA Niagara and its footprint north of Main Street in downtown Niagara Falls is extremely important to the future economic
development of our region and will help create jobs," said Ceretto. "This expansion will strengthen our tourism industry and is a real
victory for the City of Niagara Falls and its residents."
Senator Grisanti said, "The USA Niagara Development Corporation is a valuable job creation tool and its expansion in Niagara Falls is an
important step in creating a more business friendly atmosphere throughout the city. By expanding the footprint to include the Aquarium of
Niagara, we also are helping to bolster Niagara's tourism industry, which will go a long way toward creating meaningful employment opportunities
for local residents."
Gay Molnar, Director of Development at the Aquarium of Niagara said, "I would like to thank Assemblyman Ceretto and Senator Grisanti for
getting the job done on this important economic development initiative and I look forward to working with them in the future to enhance our
region's tourism industry."
Assemblyman Ceretto and Senator Grisanti have been instrumental in expanding the USA Niagara Footprint into downtown Niagara Falls north of
Main Street. Earlier this year they introduced legislation (A.8221) to incorporate the Aquarium of Niagara and other parts of Niagara Falls
into the USA Niagara Development Corporation footprint. While this legislation was not ultimately successful, the lawmakers argued that the
bill was a catalyst for bringing increased economic development to the area.
At the conclusion of the 2011 legislative session, Assemblyman Ceretto and Senator Grisanti contacted Leecia Eve of the Empire State Development
Corporation to find out if the directors of USA Niagara have the jurisdiction in its bylaws to increase the size of the footprint within Niagara
Falls. In her response to Assemblyman Ceretto, Ms. Eve said that USA Niagara and its board of directors had the authority to expand the footprint
and agreed with their assertion that the inclusion of the aquarium is essential to any expanded economic footprint.