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Irving, NY (WBEN) Later today Seneca Nation leaders will meet with local officials about dangerous conditions on the 5 & 20 bridge over Cattaraugus Creek.
Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter says the bridge has been in serious need of repairs for a while.
Porter says the state won't abide by Seneca law that requires efforts in employment for Seneca members and a three percent contracting fee, so he has given the state notice no more work can be done.
He says the bridge is useable but there have been reports of deterioration on the deck and structure.
Porter says he's concerned even closing one lane of the bridge will have a huge impact economically as well as on health care and quality of life.
He says a reconstruction of 5 and 20 as a roundabout as well as a replacement of the bridge are needed.
Porter will meet with various town leaders to begin the planning for a significant disruption of life in that region.
He believes the state's refusal is the tail end of retaliatory efforts by the state, as construction has stopped on other projects.
Porter says this is tied to sovereignty issues like gaming and cigarette tax collection.