Triple Span 'Best' for Fish
Vote your Choice for Peace Bridge Design
Dear River Friend,
YOUR input is needed for the Peace Bridge this week!
According to the Peace Bridge Authority's documents, the TRIPLE SPAN bridge will be the "BEST" for Niagara River FISH and birds. RIVERKEEPER has confirmed this analysis with credible biologists familiar with the project.
By keeping piers away from BOTH the US and Canadian nearshore areas, the TRIPLE SPAN helps minimize impacts on fish habitat, river velocities and fish migration routes. The nearshore area is important in this section of the River because it has a slower current than the center of the river allowing fish to migrate more easily. Nearshore piers on the US side are particularly problematic because of their potential impact on the River's Emerald Shiner population (a significant food source for many of the great sport fish in our region).
The TRIPLE SPAN is also better for the Niagara River Globally Significant Bird Corridor because it has more clear area for birds to fly over and through the bridge.
Click here for the Peace Bridge's environmental analysis for your review.
You can also attend one of the meetings sessions but be sure to COMMENT IN WRITING while you are there!! The first three sessions will be held in Buffalo at the New York State Armory, located at 184 Connecticut Street, from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29, and from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 30, 2010. The second round of meetings will be held at the Peace Bridge Authority Board Room, 100 Queen Street, Fort Erie, Ontario. Canada's sessions will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5, and from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
The PBA and NYSDOT are in the final stages of developing the environmental impact statement for the project. Public comments collected during those sessions will be incorporated into the project record and the decision on which bridge design concept to advance in the Final Environmental Impact Statement will take into consideration all comments received. The decision will be issued later this year.
FYI, on the plaza side of the project, there is mention of use of green infrastructure technologies like green roofs and pervious pavement that could help to limit the impacts of the plaza on water quality. There are also indications that the project may include habitat and trail access improvements along the Black Rock Canal.
The RIVER needs you!! Please review the materials for yourself and BE SURE TO VOTE!
Julie
