Niagara Leader

New York State Senator Rob Ortt, alongside Assembly Members Mike Norris and Angelo Morinello, discussed the passage of Senate Bill S.9241 and Assembly Bill A.10399 today in Lockport, NY.

The legislative action defines that the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is tasked with the oversight of the Lockport Cave and similar businesses. The bill mandates that an inspector from the Department will annually inspect any vessel operated on privately or publicly owned underground, non-navigable waterways with no navigable inlet or outlet that carry passengers for compensation. Additionally, it includes technical corrections, related provisions, and penalties for non-compliance.

“In the course of the investigation of this tragic incident, it came to light that there is no state agency tasked with overseeing these types of attractions. One of my top priorities this legislative session was to change that,” said Senator Ortt. “With the passage of this legislation, we’re ensuring patrons can safely enjoy this unique attraction in the City of Lockport and I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Senate as well as in the Assembly for passing this important legislation.”

“This legislation closes a blind spot in safety oversight. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Ortt, Assemblyman Morinello and my colleagues in the state legislature to pass this common-sense bipartisan bill to improve safety for consumers and operators along the Canal,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris.

“Public safety is always priority number one. It is important to allow the suspension of an issued certificate of inspection if the operation poses a threat to public safety. This bill will create much safer conditions for passengers, vessel operators, and crew,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.

The bill received wide support in both houses and now heads to the Governor’s office.