Niagara Falls, N.Y.- Daredevil Nik Wallenda is one step closer to having an opportunity to traverse the Niagara Gorge on a wire.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill today which will allow Nik Wallenda, a member of the famed Wallenda family to cross the Niagara Gorge on a high-wire. 

The high-wire feat would be the first in more than 150 years, as state law has banned such feats inside of Niagara Falls State Park. 

Legislation was passed earlier this year by the New York State Legislature to allow for a one-time feat across the gorge, required the signature of the governor before it could move forward. Now, Wallenda must wait for approval from the Canadian Government before the stunt will happen.

In the 1800s, wire walks were frequently performed near Niagara Falls and many daredevils rose to international fame upon completing the attempt. The Great Blondin, is the most famous of high-wire walkers. He made several trips across the gorge, even carrying his manager on his back and frying an egg while walking the gorge.

“Stunting” as it is referred to, has been banned in Niagara Falls State Park for decades, however this legislation allow for a one-time reprieve of the state law. The legislation states Wallenda has one-year to perform the act and he will likely wait for approval from Canadian officials before setting a date.

Here's what the Buffalo News reported this afternoon:

The proposed feat - praised by backers for the tens of thousands of tourists it could attract and derided by detractors as a trashy misuse of the falls that could put rescue crews at danger if something goes wrong - would occur sometime next year if Wallenda has his way. It would be shown as part of Life on a Wire, a new Discovery Channel television reality series about the member of the legendary circus family.

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.

If Canada rejects his bid, Wallenda is also said to be considering crossing just the part of the falls on the New York side — from Goat Island to Niagara Falls State Park.

Check out the previous postings from the Experience Niagara USA Blog on this issue:

Wallenda Pleads Case

Daredevil to Traverse Niagara Gorge

To View more posts from the Experience Niagara USA Blog click here.

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