Directs the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara River Gorge on a high wire

BILL NUMBER:S4844A

Title of bill

An act to direct the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara River Gorge on a high wire

Purpose

To promote tourism and economic development opportunities in the City of Niagara Falls, by allowing Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara Falls River Gorge on a high wire.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Requires the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to promulgate rules and regulations to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara River Gorge on a high wire. This section further provides that Mr. Wallenda along with any member of crew, staff, associates, representatives and those acting on behalf of themselves or Mr. Wallenda agree to indemnify and hold harmless the state of New York from any criminal or civil liability from any injury or death that may result from this activity. Mr. Wallenda further agrees to pay any and all costs associated with safety in conjunction with law enforcement or security. Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Daredevils and their exploits are a big part of the storied history of Niagara Falls. In 1859 Jean Francois Gravelot, also known as the "Great Blondin" became the first person to traverse the Niagara River Gorge on a wire. Blondin completed the 1100 foot trip in just about 20 minutes and repeated the feat 8 more times the following summer in front of hundreds of thousands of sightseers. It has been many years since anyone has been able to follow in the footsteps of the Great Blondin. In the meantime, tourism in Niagara Falls has declined on the American side, as the Falls was separated from its daredevil history. This bill seeks to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara River Gorge on a high wire, to promote tourism and publicity for Niagara Falls, and give the City a much needed shot in the arm in terms of economic development. Mr. Wallenda is uniquely qualified for this feat, as he is the holder of two world records for high wire performance, and is a seventh generation tightrope walker. Mr. Wallenda and his family called the "Flying Wallendas" have been a part of many performances at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus dating back as far as 1905.

Mr. Wallenda is also the star of a new Discovery Channel show entitled Man up, that focuses on his high wire exploits. Authorizing him to traverse the Niagara River Gorge, and promote this as a part of his popular television show will be a positive development to increase interest in Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. It is also important to note, that unlike past Niagara Falls daredevils, Mr. Wallenda is an expert in his field and therefore, safety concerns are very unlikely to be a factor in his case.

Legislative history

This is a new Bill.

Fiscal implications

None for the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.