Tightrope Across Niagara Falls




(Albany, New York) Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has given the approval for Nik Wallenda of the Flying Wallendas to walk a two-inch tightrope across Niagara Falls. Approval from Canada is still required.

The legislation, approved overwhelmingly in June by the Senate and Assembly, directs the state parks department to let Wallenda use Goat Island as his departure point for the walk he wants to make just in front of Horseshoe Falls to a terrace outside the visitors center on the Canadian side.

Wallenda will pay all costs, such as security, and will hold the state legally harmless if he falls, the legislation states.

The Niagara Parks Commission in Niagara Falls, Ont., has said Wallenda has not yet formally applied for the walk, and officials in recent months have noted agency's long history of discouraging such stunts over the falls.

Wallenda promised to call Gov. Cuomo on a cell phone from half-way across during the walk.