Thruway authority hires firm for study of Grand Island bridges
During a meeting on Tuesday, the Thruway Authority's board of directors unanimously agreed to hire WSP USA, Inc., formerly Parsons Brinckherhoff, to conduct a planning and environmental linkages study.
The assessment will include, 'an analysis of the bridges against the regional transportation network's current and future needs, an investigation of feasible project alternatives and an examination of social, economic and environmental conditions.' In addition, the study will involve a Life Cycle Cost Analysis and result in the development of a forecast for future toll revenue.
The study will be conducted under a two-year contract that includes an option for a third year and will be performed in cooperation with the Greater Buffalo Regional Transportation Council, a metropolitan planning organization covering Erie and Niagara counties.
The finished product is expected to help guide future maintenance, rehabilitation and potential reconstruction activities involving the bridges and the thruway corridor.
The cost of the study will be covered under a planning grant awarded to the Thruway Authority last year under the Bridge Investment Program, which is funded through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law.
In an announcement on the awarding of the grant, Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare noted that the original Grand Island bridges were built in the 1930s and have become 'increasingly expensive to maintain due to both their age and structural complexity.' He said at the time that the funding would allow the authority to 'enhance the safety and improve the efficiency and reliability of the bridges for all who travel over them for generations to come.'
The Grand Island Bridges serve more than 47.5 million vehicles annually and are part of a commercial corridor that links an estimated $23.7 billion in US-Canada freight trade. They are also the only connection points between the 21,000 residents of Grand Island and the mainland.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Nigeria's ex-president Buhari, twice leader of Africa's most populous nation, dies at 82
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who led the country twice as a military head of state and a democratic president, has died aged 82, his press secretary said Sunday. Buhari died Sunday in London, where he had been receiving medical treatment. He first took power in Africa's most populous nation in 1983, after a military coup, running an authoritarian regime until fellow soldiers ousted him less than 20 months later. When he was elected in 2015 on his fourth attempt, he became the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election there. Buhari rode into power in that election on a wave of goodwill after promising to rid Nigeria of chronic corruption and a deadly security crisis. He led until 2023, during a period marked by Boko Haram's extremist violence in the northeast and a plunging economy. Current President Bola Tinubu in a statement described Buhari as 'a patriot, a soldier, a statesman ... to the very core.' Tinubu dispatched the vice president to bring Buhari's body home from London. Others across Nigeria remembered Buhari as a president who left the country of more than 200 million people — divided between a largely Muslim north and Christian south — more at odds than before. 'The uneven response to Buhari's death, with muted disillusionment in some quarters and sadness in others, is a reflection of how difficult it is to unite a country and his inability to do so after decades in the public eye,' said Afolabi Adekaiyaoja, an Abuja-based political scientist. Coming from Nigeria's north, the lanky, austere Buhari had vowed to end extremist killings and clean up rampant corruption in one of Africa's largest economies and oil producers. By the end of his eight-year tenure, however, goodwill toward him had faded into discontent. Insecurity had only grown, and corruption was more widespread. Nigeria also fell into a recession amid slumping global oil prices and attacks by militants in the sprawling oil-rich Niger Delta region. The currency faltered as Buhari pursued unorthodox monetary policies to defend its fixed price to the dollar, and a massive foreign currency shortage worsened. Inflation was in the double digits. Civil society accused him of authoritarian tendencies after protesters were killed during a protest against police brutality and over his decision to restrict access to social media, as young people vented their frustrations against economic and security problems. Buhari's attempts at managing the problems were complicated by prolonged medical stays abroad. His absences, with few details, created anxiety among Nigerians and some calls for him to be replaced. There also was anger over his seeking taxpayer-funded health care abroad while millions suffered from poor health facilities at home. 'I need a longer time to rest,' the president once said in a rare comment during his time away. His presidency saw a rare bright moment in Nigeria's fight against Boko Haram — the safe return of dozens of Chibok schoolgirls seized in a mass abduction in 2014 that drew global attention. But others among the thousands of people abducted by Boko Haram over the years remain missing — a powerful symbol of the government's failure to protect civilians. At the end of 2016, Buhari announced that the extremist group had been crushed, driven by the military from its remote strongholds. 'The terrorists are on the run, and no longer have a place to hide,' he boasted. But suicide bombings and other attacks remained a threat, and the military's fight against Boko Haram continued to be hurt by allegations of abuses by troops against civilians. In early 2017, the accidental military bombing of a displaced persons camp in the northeast killed more than 100 people, including aid workers. The U.N. refugee chief called the killings 'truly catastrophic.' As Nigeria's military reclaimed more area from Boko Haram's control, a vast humanitarian crisis was revealed. Aid groups began alerting the world to people dying from malnutrition, even as government officials denied the crisis and accused aid groups of exaggerating the situation to attract donations. The extremist threat and humanitarian crisis in the northeast — now exacerbated by Trump administration aid cuts — continues today. Years earlier, as Nigeria's military ruler, Buhari oversaw a regime that executed drug dealers, returned looted state assets and sent soldiers to the streets with whips to enforce traffic laws. With oil prices slumping and Nigerians saying foreigners were depriving them of work, the regime also ordered an estimated 700,000 illegal immigrants to leave the country. Meanwhile, government workers arriving late to their offices were forced to perform squats in a 'war against indiscipline' that won many followers. Buhari's administration, however, was also criticized by rights groups and others for detaining journalists critical of the government and for passing laws that allowed indefinite detention without trial. As he pursued the presidency decades later, Buhari said he had undergone radical changes and that he now championed democracy. But some of his past stances haunted him, including statements in the 1980s that he would introduce Islamic law across Nigeria. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Paylaterr Launches Innovative Platform for Responsible Buy Now, Pay Later for Bills
In today's fast-paced world, managing household bills and expenses requires more financial flexibility than ever. Unfortunately, not all financial solutions prioritize long-term user well-being. That's where Paylaterr comes in. With its newly launched platform, Paylaterr is redefining how Americans manage everyday bills through smart, transparent, and responsible Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. Paylaterr is a forward-thinking financial services platform that empowers consumers to handle short-term financial needs by spreading out bill payments, without the risks associated with traditional loans or credit cards. Unlike typical lenders, Paylaterr focuses on ethical, flexible BNPL for bills that come with no hidden fees and clear repayment terms. This platform raises the bar in the BNPL space by prioritizing responsible use and financial wellness. 1. Transparent Payment Options Users can split payments for utility bills, emergency expenses, or services into manageable parts, with complete clarity. There are no surprise fees, and all terms are disclosed upfront. 2. Personalized Plans Using smart financial tech, Paylaterr creates custom BNPL plans based on each user's unique financial situation. This promotes realistic repayment schedules and avoids overextension. 3. Simple Application Process With a fast, user-friendly interface, consumers can apply online and get decisions within minutes, perfect for busy users needing quick solutions. 4. Responsible BNPL Experience Beyond just payment splitting, Paylaterr integrates educational tools and budgeting resources to help users build smarter financial habits. The US has witnessed a surge in BNPL popularity, but also growing concerns about overspending and a lack of transparency. Paylaterr solves these challenges by ensuring: Users only take on payments they can manage. Every repayment term is clear and simple. Financial education is integrated into the platform. By aligning convenience with responsibility, Paylaterr is promoting healthier financial decisions in American households. Unlike typical BNPL companies that focus on retail shopping, Paylaterr is tailored for real-life needs like bills, rent, and emergency costs. Clarity: Easy-to-understand repayment plans. Support: Friendly, US-based customer service. Technology: AI-driven approvals for fairness and accuracy. Wellness Tools: Budgeting and credit-building features included. Whether you're paying off utilities, dealing with an unexpected charge, or planning a big expense, Paylaterr helps you move forward on your own schedule. It's designed for the modern American who values both flexibility and financial control. As the financial landscape evolves, platforms like Paylaterr are shaping the next generation of responsible, everyday-use BNPL tools. Rather than pushing debt, Paylaterr empowers people with flexibility, education, and trust. Paylaterr's launch signals a major shift in how Buy Now, Pay Later should be used as a tool for managing real expenses, not encouraging impulse purchases. For US consumers seeking a smarter, more ethical BNPL solution, Paylaterr is more than just an option; it's a better way to pay bills. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Upturn
6 hours ago
- Business Upturn
JAMining Launches New XRP Cloud Mining Contracts as Token Hits $2.81—Trade or Mine in 2025's Turning Point?
LONDON, UK, July 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With XRP trading at $2.81 and market optimism climbing, UK-based cloud mining pioneer JAMining today officially launched its new generation of XRP cloud mining contracts. This release marks a strategic expansion of JAMining's AI-based platform, giving users a frictionless way to earn XRP daily—without hardware, trading skills, or market speculation. XRP, originally built for cross-border financial settlement, is now being reimagined as a mainstream passive income asset. With its latest launch, JAMining brings structure, predictability, and renewable energy integration to a sector that's often defined by volatility. 'This launch is about accessibility. We're giving everyone—not just institutions—a way to benefit from XRP growth, with zero technical complexity,' said a JAMining spokesperson. What's New: Fully Automated XRP Mining Now Live JAMining's new XRP contracts are powered by real-time AI allocation, enabling users to mine XRP or automatically switch between other top assets like BTC, ETH, DOGE, and USDC based on market conditions. Daily rewards are delivered in the user's preferred crypto, fully automated and globally accessible. Key features of the newly launched XRP mining contracts include: Daily XRP payouts — automatic, no hardware or setup required — automatic, no hardware or setup required Multi-asset flexibility — BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, or USDC — BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, or USDC AI optimization engine — maximum yield via real-time switching — maximum yield via real-time switching Web and app-based control — 100% remote and mobile-friendly — 100% remote and mobile-friendly Capital protection — principal fully returned at contract expiry New Contracts with Fixed Returns (Explore more contracts) These structured contracts offer a clear pathway for users—regardless of experience level—to build passive crypto income without navigating the volatility of traditional trading. JAMining's Global Reach and Green Focus Operating since 2004, JAMining serves over 11 million users across 183 countries. With this latest launch, the company continues to scale its green energy-powered data centers across Europe, Asia, and North America, aligning with global ESG investment trends. By integrating wind, hydro, and solar infrastructure into its mining facilities, JAMining offers sustainable operations with lower carbon impact and lower operating costs—directly benefiting user profits. Why Now? XRP's Breakout Moment Analysts now view $2.44 as a key technical breakout level for XRP, with the current surge in trading volume suggesting a bullish breakout. At a time when ETF speculation and regulatory clarity continue to unfold around Ripple Labs, JAMining's new contracts offer a non-speculative, automated way to capture XRP's momentum. Who Should Use JAMining? Anyone seeking daily, stable crypto income Investors interested in XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, or USDC ESG-conscious users seeking green crypto solutions Users wanting zero-hardware, mobile-first mining tools Professionals looking for hands-off diversification About JAMining JAMining is combining AI, renewable energy, and real-time automation to deliver accessible, secure, and profitable cloud mining services. Supporting major crypto assets including BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, and USDC, JAMining removes barriers to mining while ensuring full capital protection and daily yield. Learn more: Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
