Niagara Leader

Albany, NY – Today, the New York State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill S.9241, which pertains to the duty to inspect vessels operated on non-navigable underground waters. This legislation follows a tragic incident at the Lockport Cave and Boat Tour that resulted in the death of a Niagara Falls man and injuries to nearly a dozen others last year. The investigation revealed that no local, county, or state agency was responsible for overseeing such attractions.

"With the passage of this bill, it is now clear that the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will oversee these types of businesses and inspect these vessels to ensure patrons can safely enjoy the unique attractions New York has to offer," said Senator Ortt. "Senate Bill S.9241, which I co-sponsor, is in alignment with the bill that I originally introduced immediately after the incident occurred. Over the course of this past year, I have had many conversations with the Executive's office and my colleagues across the aisle, using no uncertain terms that ensuring proper oversight at the Lockport Cave and similar sites was among my top priorities this session so that an incident like this can be prevented in the future."

The corresponding bill in the Assembly, co-sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Norris, has passed both the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development and Codes Committees. It is scheduled for discussion at tomorrow’s Assembly Ways and Means meeting.