Directs the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to accept title to the Portageville railroad bridge

1 Co-sponsor

• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S2694

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic pres- ervation law, in relation to directing the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to accept title to and ownership of the Portageville pedestrian bridge within the Letchworth state park

Purpose or general idea of bill

Directs the office of parks, recre- ation, and historic preservation to accept title to the Portageville railroad bridge.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 details legislative findings that the Portageville bridge is an historic state and national treasure. It also finds that preservation of the Portageville pedestrian bridge will contribute substantially to the quality of lives of the citizens of New York, as it will provide a natural, ecological, historic, cultural and recreational resource. Addi- tionally, it will serve as an alternative route for emergency vehicles in the event of closure or blockage of the new railroad bridge.

Section 2 adds a new section to the parks, recreation and historic pres- ervation law that establishes the boundaries of the Portageville pedes- trian bridge and charges the office to accept ownership of the bridge in the name of New York State when a new freight railroad bridge is completed over the Genesee River within Letchworth state park.

Section 3 provides that the effective date shall be immediately.

Justification

The Portageville bridge is located in Letchworth State Park in Livingston and Wyoming counties. At 133 years old, this bridge plays a significant historical role in New York State and is listed on the National Register of Historic places.

As it can no longer support the current industry standard rail loads, the Norfolk Southern Corporation has been working with state and federal officials to build a new bridge. The best plan for the future of the original Portageville bridge would be to maintain it as a pedestrian bridge, similar to the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Preserving the Portageville bridge through the Office of Parks, Recre- ation, and Historic Preservation would ensure that this gem of the Northeast is maintained as the cultural and historic landmark that it is. It would also allow the pedestrian bridge to be used as a popular tourist destination, thereby enhancing the economy of not only Western New York, but the entire state.

Prior legislative history

S.7699 of 2012

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.