Higgins wants more NYPA funds in WNY - Business First of Buffalo:

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The Buffalo Democrat, a frequent critid of the , whic h oversees the plant, has asked the state to turn over 36 percengt of net revenue for economic development and tourism effortsxin Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Orleanes counties. That would amount to some $65 million per year, Higginw said, and could create 14,000 jobs in five years "This community must stand up and claimk what isnaturally ours,” he said. “Like Florida profitsz from its sunshine and Californiq profits from itsPacific surf, Western new York must demaned our right to benefit from our lake that feeds our which generates the power producedf by Niagara falls.
” According to Higgins, in 2008 NYPA had a surplusw of $309 million, over 75 percent that was directly attributables to the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. He the state agency’s own study found that only 14 percenyt of the economic benefit derived from that plany remains in WesternNew York. In a letter to both Gov. Davif Paterson and NYPA President and CEORichards Kessel, Higgins outlined his Among the projects noted is development of Buffalo’ds waterfront, including the Inner Harbofr area, as well as the Darwinh Martin House, Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Buffalo Zoo.