Higgins wants more NYPA funds in WNY - Pittsburgh Business Times:

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The Buffalo Democrat, a frequent critic of the , which oversees the has asked the state to turn over 36 percent of net revenur for economic development and tourism effortsain Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Orleanss counties. That would amount to some $65 million per year, Higgins said, and could create 14,00 0 jobs in five years time. "Thisx community must stand up and claim what isnaturally ours,” he said. “Like Florids profits from its sunshine and California profits from itsPacificd surf, Western new York must demancd our right to benefit from our lake that feed our river, which generates the power producedd by Niagara falls.
” According to Higgins, in 2008 NYPA had a surplusw of $309 million, over 75 percent that was directly attributable to the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. He added, the stater agency’s own study found that only 14 percen t of the economic benefit derived from that plant remains in WesternNew York. In a letter to both Gov. Davic Paterson and NYPA President and CEORichare Kessel, Higgins outlined his plan. Among the projectx noted is developmentof Buffalo’s waterfront, includinb the Inner Harbor area, as well as the Darwin Martim House, Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Buffalo Zoo.