NY lawmakers OK Niagara Falls tightrope walk

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) - New York lawmakers have voted to allow a member of the daredevil Wallenda family to attempt a tightrope walk across the Niagara Gorge at Niagara Falls.

The state Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill directing parks officials to write regulations allowing Nik Wallenda to traverse the gorge. The Senate already approved the measure.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo hasn't said yet whether he'll sign it.

There are strict laws against stunts at Niagara Falls, but supporters of the Wallenda walk say it would boost tourism and the city of Niagara Falls in general.

A daredevil known as the "Great Blondin" was the first to cross the gorge on a wire in 1859, but it's been more than 100 years since anyone has repeated the feat.