By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – US Senator Charles Schumer was at the Peace Bridge Thursday to announce real progress over the next six months on a new the border crossing.
Schumer says the money and timetable are finally in place for work to begin. Wednesday, President Bush signed the transportation bill that appropriated $25 million for the Peace Bridge. Schumer says that was the magic number needed to get the long delayed project started. But he says there is still much to do before a ground breaking.
"We can't let up on the gas. Every step of the way is a trial and a tribulation with the Peace Bridge," Schumer said. "But we can see light at the end of the tunnel."
The tight, six month deadline calls for finalizing security plans, an environmental study and the shared border agreement. A bi-national jury panel must also agree on the final design for both the US plaza and the bridge.