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NEWS & LINKS
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BRIDGE NEWS
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Easter/Passover Weekend Plans for Niagara Bridges - Travel on Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow, Whirlpool expected similar to ‘11
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April 4, 2012...Easter and Passover weekend holiday passage over the Niagara River on the three bridges the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission operates is expected to be heavy, but similar to 2011.
The number of open Canadian and American inspection lanes should be the same this year as in 2011.
Because the two religious holidays often arrive on different dates – Easter was April 22-25, 2011; April 2-5, 2010 and April 10-13 2009 – comparisons cannot be exact. But total 24-hour, four-day weekend volume for cars the previous three years was the following:
Lewiston, U.S. bound, 2011, 20,016; 2010, 20,242; 2009, 20,473.
Lewiston, Canada bound, 2011, 23,712; 2010, 18,191; 2009, 18,403.
Rainbow, U.S. bound, 2011, 25,757; 2010, 19,391; 2009, 19,606.
Rainbow, Canada bound, 2011, 20,771; 2010, 19,519; 2009, 19,756.
Peak times for crossing tended to be mid-afternoon to evening, with no waits several mornings before 10 a.m.
The NEXUS-only Whirlpool Rapids Bridge rarely has any delays.
“The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission again urges travelers using its three bridges to choose off-peak hours to cross, have appropriate documents ready, take advantage of NEXUS use and if they have purchases or other materials to declare to have them out for inspection,” said Lew Holloway, commission general manager.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a U.S. law, requires all travelers to the United States to present a valid passport or another approved secure document at the border. Acceptable forms of identification for both U.S. entry and re-entry into Canada that also meet the requirements of the WHTI include a passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card and an enhanced driver's license.
“The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission works closely with Customs on both sides of the border to speed the flow of travelers as much as it can,” Holloway said. “We must all keep in mind duty, tax and security considerations and be patient when crossing. People should know that we’re doing all we can to make our bridge operations as efficient and effective as possible.”
“It helps everyone if travelers plan to cross at off-peak hours,” he added.
Travelers Tips:
• Calling the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s toll free number at 1-800-715-6722 or call 511 for the latest traffic updates
• Tuning to radio to 1610 AM.
• Visiting any of the following websites: www.cbp.gov, www.cbsa.gc.ca, www.nittec.org, www.peacebridge.com, http://niagarafallsbridges.com/traffic_conditions.php3
• Noting the NITTEC highway dynamic message signs with posted delays beyond 30 minutes
• Registering at www.mynittec.org to receive a free personalized email or text notification of border and regional traffic information.
• Accessing Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBSA_BWT
• Have a passenger use a cell phone to access travel information at wap.gc.ca or www.gc.ca
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NIAGARA FALLS BRIDGE COMMISSION ELECTS 2012 OFFICERS--Michael Goodale is elected Chair
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LEWISTON, NY Feb. 3, 2012 - At its Annual General Meeting, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC), the bi-national entity that owns and operates the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges between Canada and the United States, elected its slate of officers for 2012. Michael J. Goodale, ON, was elected Chairperson, and Thomas G. Pryce, NY, was elected Vice-Chairperson. Ms. Linda M. DiPasquale, NY, was elected Secretary, and Mr. Ernest K. Smith, ON, was elected Treasurer. Ms. Janice A. Thomson, ON, Ms. Norma I. Higgs, NY, Mr. Kenneth E. Loucks, ON, and Mr. Patrick D. Brown, NY, comprise the rest of the NFBC board.
U.S. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Governor of the State of New York, and Canadian Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Premier of the Province of Ontario. All officers hold their respective office for one year until the next annual meeting, unless the Commission deems a change is necessary.
Appointed to the NFBC in August 2008, Mr. Goodale most recently served as Vice Chairperson. Mr. Goodale, a Grimsby, ON, resident, is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services Division and Chief Administrative Officer for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Mr. Goodale has worked in the Ontario Public Service for over 30 years in a variety of progressively responsible positions with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance. A graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Mr. Goodale holds a combined honours degree in Economics and Urban Geography.
Thomas G. Pryce, a Youngstown, NY resident, was appointed to the Commission in January 2008. He is the Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Iron Workers Local 9, Niagara Falls, NY. He has been a Trustee for over 20 years and is the longtime chairman of the Iron Workers District Council of Western New York Pension, Welfare and Annuity Funds. A graduate of Plattsburgh State, he served 12 years as a member and officer of the Lewiston-Porter Board of Education, and sits on several charitable and community development boards.
Ms. DiPasquale, appointed to the Board in August 2008, is an attorney engaged in the private practice of law with offices in Buffalo, New York. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill and graduated Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees in English and History from Canisius College. Ms. DiPasquale is licensed to practice law in New York and North Carolina and is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Erie County Bar Association, (Matrimonial Law and Family Court Practice and Procedure Committees), and the Western New York Women’s Bar Association. Ms. DiPasquale resides in Wheatfield, New York.
Appointed to the Commission in November 2009, Mr. Smith, a resident of Niagara Falls, Ontario, is retired from Canada Immigration after more than 31 years of service with experience in such areas as enforcement, operations and intelligence. Since retiring, Mr. Smith has been contracted by the International Region of Citizenship & Immigration Canada to work as a visa officer in England, Hong Kong, Trinidad, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Mr. Smith holds a B.A. from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University) in Ontario, and a Masters degree from Niagara University in New York State.
Ms. Thomson, a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, was appointed to the Commission in April 2006 and has previously served as Secretary, following two years as Chairperson (2007 and 2008). She was actively involved in the recent reconstruction of the Queenston Plaza, serving as liaison between the Board of Commissioners and the Design and Construction Team. She presently occupies the position of Executive Director of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau, and previously held executive management positions at the national offices of Jaguar Canada and BMW Canada over an 18-year period. Ms. Thomson also serves as Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission, a board member of the Niagara Foundation and Project Niagara (Toronto Symphony-National Arts Centre), and serves on many tourism-related committees within Niagara.
Ms. Higgs of Niagara Falls, NY, was reappointed to the Commission in January 2008 and served as Chairperson in 2009. A member previously from 1976 to 1996, she served several terms as Chairperson during that period. Ms. Higgs is presently retired from New York State Supreme Court where she was employed as a special assistant to two Supreme Court Justices. She resides in Niagara Falls, NY, and is actively involved in the local community. She presently serves as Board Secretary to the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center and the Niagara Beautification Commission. She is also Treasurer of the Niagara Falls Block Club Council. Ms. Higgs writes a weekly column in the Niagara Gazette and plans events for many local community organizations.
Dr. Loucks, a resident of Sauble Beach, ON, and formerly of St. Catharines, ON, was appointed to the Commission in April 2006, and served as Chairperson in 2010. Dr. Loucks is Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Business, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, and the holder of HBA, MBA and PhD degrees from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. His career in education encompasses appointments at two secondary schools and three universities in Ontario and two adjunct appointments in Australia. He is a specialist in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Throughout his career, Dr. Loucks has maintained an active management consulting practice. He has served as well as a consultant to bilateral and multilateral development agencies in small enterprise creation and economic development programming with assignments in over 30 countries. During his career he has served on numerous public and private sector boards and commissions.
Mr. Brown, a resident of Niagara Falls, NY, was appointed to the Commission in December 2007, and most recently served as Chair in 2011. Mr. Brown is a Certified Public Accountant-Partner with Brown & Company, CPA’s of Niagara Falls, NY. He brings extensive and diversified financial management, business accounting and budgeting experience to the Commission. He is also an active member of the community through service to the following organizations: Advisor to Niagara Military Affairs Council; Town of Niagara Industrial Development Agency Officer; Town of Niagara Business & Professional Association Treasurer/Board Member; Lewiston Kiwanis Club member and past Treasurer; Niagara Falls Water Authority member; Lewiston/Niagara County Peach Festival volunteer and finance co-chair; and, Town of Niagara/Fashion Outlets of Niagara USA Fund committee member.
About the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission:
A Joint Resolution of the 1938 U.S. Congressional Third Session created the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. The Extra Provincial Corporations Act of the Province of Ontario, Canada licenses the NFBC. Canada and the U.S. are equally represented on the NFBC by an eight-member Board of Commissioners. Initially established to finance, construct and operate the Rainbow Bridge, the Commission proved sufficiently efficient and effective to assume responsibilities for the Whirlpool Rapids (Lower) and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges. The NFBC builds and maintains all facilities for Customs and Immigration functions on both sides of the international border. The NFBC is self supportive, largely through user fees (tolls) and private-sector tenant leases. NFBC is federally chartered to conduct international commercial financial transactions and issue federal (U.S.) tax-exempt bonds.
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NFBC AWARDS $100,000 FOR FALLS AIRPORT PLAN--Grant for master plan in line with economic development commitment
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LEWISTON, NY Jan. 5, 2012 – The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, operator of three bridges between the United States and Canada, today announced a $100,000 grant to help achieve a master plan for the Niagara Falls International Airport.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates the airport, received $970,000 for the master plan study last month as a result of the state’s Regional Economic Development Council [REDC] process. The plan would begin this year and the NFBC grant would cover about 10 percent of the study’s cost.
NFBC General Manager Lew Holloway and NFBC Board Chairman Patrick D. Brown informed NFTA officials of the grant decision in an Oct. 25, 2011 letter. They designed the grant and its timing to aid the airport in the REDC decision-making process that was occurring at that time.
In their letter, Brown and Holloway wrote to the NFTA:
“Facilitating the transportation of bi-national cargo is aligned with the mission of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, which is to ‘build, maintain and operate Niagara River border crossings to facilitate commerce and the movement of goods and people in a safe and efficient manner.’ ”
NFBC operates the Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and NEXUS-only Whirlpool bridges.
“As you know, the [airport] has experienced impressive growth since the new passenger terminal opened in 2009,” NFTA Board Chairman Henry M. Sloma wrote to Brown. “Your [board’s] investment shows that development of the [airport] will help facilitate efficient bi-national travel and commerce and foster economic success in the Niagara region.”
“An updated master plan is needed to accommodate this exciting aviation activity and coordinate millions of dollars in future capital projects,” NFTA Executive Director Kimberly A. Minkel wrote Dec. 13, 2011 to Holloway. “I strongly believe that the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s commitment of $100,000 to the project was a deciding factor for the REDC. It clearly illustrates the link between [airport] development and the Niagara region’s future economic success.”
In the first 11 months of 2011, 87,942 outbound passengers took flights out of the Niagara Falls airport, which is on Niagara Falls Boulevard in the Town of Wheatfield, a 190 percent increase from the same period in 2010, NFTA officials said. By way of comparison, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, also operated by the NFTA, reported 2.4 million outbound passengers for the first 11 months, down 0.51 percent from the 2.41 million handled during the first 11 months of 2010.
Earlier this week, the Niagara Falls International Airport Stakeholders Group announced a goal of $1 million to market the airport in 2012. The group expects to include representation and revenue from Niagara County, the City of Niagara Falls, the county Industrial Development Agency, Niagara USA Chamber, the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp., the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Fashion Outlets Mall and the Niagara Falls Hotel-Motel Association, among others.
“Our pledge of funding to the NFTA for its master plan is demonstrative of the commission’s interest in the economies of both the United States and Canada” Brown said.
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S&P Upgrades NFBC Credit Rating to A+, Close to Second Highest Rating--Major rating service expects NFBC will maintain “strong liquidity”
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April 28, 2011 – The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, operator of three of the four Niagara River bridges between Western New York and Southern Ontario, won an upgrade as Standard & Poor’s raised from ‘A’ to ‘A+’ the rating on the Commission’s New York series 1993 toll revenue bonds. The ‘A+’ rating is a reflection of NFBC’s strong standing in S&P’s ‘A’ credit rating level, the third highest credit rating behind ‘AA’ and ‘AAA.’
“The Commission has worked hard over the years to operate the Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and Whirlpool bridges as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said NFBC Chairman Patrick D. Brown. “The S&P report is good news because it indicates that we are on solid footing and well positioned to continue planning for success well into the future.”
According to S&P’s website, “Standard & Poor’s credit ratings express the agency’s opinion about the ability and willingness of an issuer, such as a corporation or state or city government, to meet its financial obligations in full and on time.” The ‘A+’ rating means that the NFBC is in a strong position to meet those obligations.
S&P specifically detailed the following NFBC credit strengths in its report:
•The Commission demonstrated strong historical financial performance, with revenues providing no lower than 2x debt service coverage (DSC) in the past five years.
•It has had exceptional liquidity historically, with fiscal 2010's unrestricted cash and investments (as of Oct. 31) providing about 2,460 days' cash on hand and 140 percent of debt.
•The Commission has a relatively strong bond structure, including a rate covenant and an additional bonds test requiring net toll revenue to be at least 1.3x maximum annual debt service. Under the indenture, non-toll revenues (essentially rents from government leases and duty-free commissions) must first go to operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses. This has historically tracked near O&M costs, allowing the majority of toll revenues to be used for debt service.
While S&P detailed as a point of concern that only one of NFBC’s bridges can accommodate trucks, the Commission proactively worked to address that issue this year by introducing the new ExpressPass for commercial vehicles to maximize the efficiency of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
“One way for us to maintain this solid credit rating is to continue to improve the way we operate our bridges,” said NFBC general manager Lew Holloway. “We took a big step forward in that effort when we unveiled the new ExpressPass for commercial vehicles this year. This new system makes it faster for everyone to cross the Lewiston-Queenston bridge by dedicating toll lanes to trucks and buses that use the ExpressPass. When these large vehicles are able to cross the bridge quickly, it reduces congestion and speeds up the process for everyone else.”
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NFBC Donates $70,000 for 1812 Bicentennial - Honors Battle of Queenston Heights and peace for U.S. and Canada
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Mar. 21, 2011 – The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, operator of three of the four Niagara River bridges between Western New York and Southern Ontario, announced today the donation of $70,000 to the bicentennial commemoration and reenactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812.
According to a travel intentions study commissioned by the Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council, this event could potentially deliver $160 million to the local economies in Niagara and Western New York.
The Historical Association of Lewiston will receive a total of $25,000 [U.S.] in two $12,500 payments, one in 2011 and the other in 2012. Friends of Fort George will receive $25,000 [CDN] with $12,500 payments in 2011 and 2012. The funds will be used for event preparations, planning and marketing costs. The Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council, based in Ontario, will receive $20,000 [CDN] to upgrade its website. This upgrade will help the Legacy Council to better promote the Bicentennial celebration.
The Commission receives no tax funding, relying on tolls and rental payments on its bridges.
“The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission is honored to partner with these organizations and lend our support to the planning and promotion of this important historic event,” said Patrick D. Brown, NFBC chairman. “Every dollar of our funding will go directly to event reenactment and marketing, and just as the Battle of Queenston Heights and the War of 1812 led to 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States, we hope this event will help strengthen the friendship and economies of these two great nations.”
The bicentennial celebration is the first bi-national event to take place that will link Lewiston and Queenston. It is designed to provide an important shot in the arm for the local tourism industry and provide a unique educational opportunity for the thousands of students expected to attend. The tentative date of the bicentennial celebration is October 12-14, 2012.
''The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission has become the leader in recognizing and promoting our unique bi-national heritage,'' said Lee Simonson, volunteer director for the Lewiston 1812 bicentennial. ''As we approach the War of 1812 Bicentennial, and the opportunities it presents us, our entire community extends its gratitude to the Commission for its vision and support. This truly is a partnership that will not only help spark additional resources, but will enable us to stand tall among the other 1812 communities across the United States and Canada. This commemoration will be historic, both for what we remember and what we accomplish.''
The bicentennial is expected to provide a significant economic benefit to the region.
''On behalf of the Bicentennial Legacy Council, we appreciate the support of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; an organization that truly understands what the Bi-National Niagara is and means,'' said Brian Merrett, CEO of the Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council. ''Their support will assist us in bringing a National Focus to the 1812 Bicentennial and what the following 200 years of peace means between our nations.''
By partnering with these organizations, NFBC can help ensure the free flow of travel, business and tourism between Niagara and Western New York that is needed to make the War of 1812 bicentennial a successful event.
“The Friends of Fort George are very excited and pleased that the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission chose to support plans to help us commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, Battle of Queenston Heights,” said Erika Alexander, executive director of the Friends of Fort George. “Canada and the United States have since shared 200 years of peace and it’s so fitting that the NFBC is the first to come forward to recognize the importance and significance of this bi-national anniversary. By supporting the event at this time, we are able to initiate promotion and awareness opportunities to local residents as well as those visiting the area in 2011. Visitors can now plan their return visit in 2012, helping to promote our tourism industry on both sides of the border.”
For more information about the 1812 bicentennial please visit www.discover1812.com.
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NFBC Unveils ExpressPass for Trucks, Buses - First of its kind system on the Northern border speeds crossings for cars too
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March 16, 2011 - The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, operator of three of the four Niagara River bridges between Western New York and Southern Ontario, today unveiled the new ExpressPass for trucks crossing the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge that will help reduce wait times for all motorists.
The first commercial automatic crossing pass of its kind on a northern border bridge, the ExpressPass program is expected to serve 270 trucking companies using some 15,000 individual trucks and tractor-trailers that pay the one-way toll into Canada at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
The pass also works for tour buses crossing the Rainbow Bridge, which does not handle trucks, or at Queenston. The NFBC’s third bridge, the Whirlpool Bridge, is NEXUS only.
“The new commercial ExpressPass is the fastest way through the toll booths and will help commercial vehicles operate more efficiently by reducing the time they spend crossing these bridges,” said Lew Holloway, NFBC general manager. “When commercial trucks spend less time in line and paying tolls, it saves them time, fuel and money, while reducing overall congestion for everyone else as well.”
The ExpressPass for commercial vehicles utilizes two fully automated, unmanned toll booths. The driver pulls up to a booth and flashes the ExpressPass card – essentially a debit card – at the designated sensor. The system then deducts the appropriate amount of money from a pre-deposited account maintained by enrolled truckers, counts the pre-registered number of axles on the truck, and up- or down-charges for more or fewer axles as needed, to ensure a speedy, fair and accurate transaction. There is a web-based account management system that allows companies to manage their commercial account online.
“This is essentially a VIP line for truckers. We created the commercial ExpressPass system in-house and it is the first of its kind to be used on the northern border,” said Victor Montalbo, NFBC manager of administration and finance. “The response we received from those who helped us during the testing and pilot phase has been overwhelmingly positive because this system will help them better meet their budgetary needs and shipping deadlines.”
The program was first tested for several months with Cassens Transport, a Lewiston, NY-based car transporter, said Kathy Majka, Cassens Transport supervisor.
“We have had nothing but positive feedback from our Canadian and U.S. drivers,” she said. “This new program is a boost for productivity and has greatly reduced our drivers’ down time waiting to cross the border. Definitely a win/win situation for all involved.”
One of the truckers involved in the pass’s use is Dave Bansmer, a driver for Cassens.
“The card works great. You put it out the window, you don’t stop, the gate goes up and you just keep going. You’re not sitting in line and it speeds your time getting through,” said Bansmer. “Before ExpressPass there were times that I had to wait 10 minutes to cross the bridge. Now I get through quickly and I’m on my way.”
Benefits of having an ExpressPass commercial account:
•Toll payments are prepaid using electronic cards that make crossing quick and easy while removing the need for cash and receipts.
•The system has been designed to utilize the latest technology and offer customers ease in account administration.
•Two toll lanes have been exclusively dedicated to ExpressPass customers at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
•Customers never have to worry about negative account balance with online automatic credit card replenishment.
•The ExpressPass is not battery driven and is better for the environment.
To start an ExpressPass Commercial account interested parties can contact NFBC at (716) 285-6322, ext. 4143 in the U.S., or (905) 354-5641, ext. 4143 in Canada. Initial registration information can also be submitted on the NFBC website at www.niagrafallsbridges.com.
The following link includes b-roll video showing how long it takes a truck driver to pay the toll using cash [shown under the digital sign that says “Open,” to the left of the ExpressPass lane] and how quickly drivers get through when using the new commercial ExpressPass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fvTIqHawys
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Bridge News