A BILL ALLOWING a tightrope walker to cross Niagara Falls is currently going through the state legislature in New York.
The famous gorge has been crossed on a tightrope before – but not for over 100 years. Jean Francois “the Great Blondin” Gravelot carried out the successful stunt most recently – in 1850. The feat is now illegal.
Nik Wallenda, of the Flying Wallenda family, has pledged to cover the safety and security costs of the stunt – if he is allowed to perform it. Wallenda’s attempt has been endorsed by Niagara’s tourism board, which says the stunt would be good for tourism, according to the Niagara Gazette.
Wallenda has also promised to release New York state from responsibility should anything go wrong with the tightrope walk. The bill has already been passed by the senate, but will come before the state assembly this week.
Gallery: Looking back over some of the world’s most incredible tightrope walk efforts >
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