PHOTO: Bill Nichols going over the bridge with former Belfast Town Supervisor David DeRock and Belfast Town Councilman Josh Cole after the ribbon was cut and the bridge over the Genesee River was named after Nichols.
By JOHN ANDERSON
For three years, what was once a 90 second trip to get milk or bread from the store, or to have an ambulance make it to your home, took 16 miles to travel in Belfast.
On Wednesday, the nightmare for residents ended with the opening of the new County Road 26 Bridge in Belfast which is named the William “Bill” A. Nichols Bridge.
District I Legislator Kevin “Fred” Demick, the vice-chair of the board ran the ceremony that honored Nichols.
David DeRock, the former Belfast Town Supervisor, lives on the other side of the bridge. Along with his wife, Gail, they have been pushing to get the bridge open since it closed because it was unsafe. DeRock was pleased with the dedication.
“This river can be pretty mean and has caused a lot of problems. Bill and I are some of the oldest people here, Class of 65 from Belfast. And we’ve been best buds — how do you have a friendship that lasts 74 years? We never argued and he got me into politics and was always my go-to person,” said DeRock. “This feels like Christmas Day, it’s the biggest present I have gotten in June. When you live 100 yards away and see it get torn down, it was difficult. But Bill Nichols is unreal, Neal Green brought up all the other things he has done for the town and it’s true, it’s his life and I’m glad I could watch it for all of these years.”
Nichols said, “I’m at a loss for words … I was talking to a friend of mine, Carl Swain, who is in Nevada and wished he could have been here. I was worried about the speech, so he said ‘speak from the heart,’ so I am going to touch on a few things.”
Nichols said when the bridge went out three years ago, DeRock said “they oughta name this bridge after you” and I told him “they name bridges after people who are dead and I don’t plan on going anywhere.”
Nichols said there are so many people who deserve the honor and said people have suffered in Belfast over the years, and it’s been more than an inconvenience. He talked about emergency services not being able to respond to issues on the East side of the Genesee River. And it’s been difficult on the Belfast Highway Superintendent, James Ace, Jr., who has to plow on the other ride of the bridge.
Nichols, who has been recovering from a medical issue and is going through rehabilitation at the Wellsville Manor said “thank you to my wife, Donna, who has ben there and helping me. I am in Wellsville for rehab and hopefully able to walk again. Anyone can visit and (legislator) Dwight Fanton visits often and I am tickled each time I see him.”
Nichols thanked everyone who helped with the bridge, but then talked about legends of the community who have passed away in recent years. One in particular, former teacher and physical education teacher Paul H. Vienna, who had an impact on everyone. Nichols would talk about including the late John Hasper, William “Bill” Heaney, Rich Sullivan, Paul Miller and Ron Mix.
An emotional Nichols said, “If they were still with us, they would be here today.”
Financially, it had to be a major partnership.
Allegany County Legislative Chairman W. Brooke Harris said the county received a call from Tom Windus that the bridge was a safety issue and had to be closed. But Allegany County did not have $9 million to replace it.
“A bridge of this size is just not feasible for Allegany County. That’s why I’m glad Frank (Puglisi) is here on behalf of the governor, the governor really came through on this bridge, give credit, where credit is due, and thank you to our federal partners and Congressman Langworthy and everybody down in Washington for supporting this project and Allegany County taxpayers, who either directly or indirectly through state and federal funding,” Harris said. “You all have provided support for this bridge, which you all know is so critical to the infrastructure, safety and security of Belfast and all of these towns around it. But we are really here for you, Bill.”
Harris then read a proclamation to Nichols, which you can read below.
When news came in the bridge would be replaced, the county issued a statement that said, “Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $8.6 million for the replacement of the County Road 26 Bridge over the Genesee River in Belfast is very welcome news to Allegany County. Allegany County is thankful for all those, including our federal and state representatives and the NYS DOT, who recognized and stressed the importance of this bridge to our communities. We extend our sincere appreciation to Governor Hochul for responding with immediacy to this critical issue.”
Puglisi said he had toured Cuba Lake this week to see how the state can help with the lake being closed for clean up. He said this was a positive ending in Belfast.
“She was very happy to help support this bridge with over $8 million in total investment,” Puglisi said. “It’s a great day to be in Allegany County for something good that is connecting communities. Congratulations on a beautiful bridge and getting this open and a continuing partnership with the state.”
Lee James, representing Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, said the bridge being dedicated to Nichols was perfect.
“As Frank noted, there was a collaboration between the local government in Allegany County, state and federal dollars,” James said. “And it’s wonderful it’s being dedicated today to someone who loved their community of elfast for so many years and took care of the roads, and also his service to the county highway association and at the state level. He has a lot of experience and people still go to him for his knowledge.”
George Fillgrove from Sen. George M. Borrell’s office said you could not have a nicer bridge over the Genesee River.
“I’ve watched this project for three years, it’s been a real journey for the county for the town, for the school district, for the fire department,” Fillgrove said. “It’s probably the nicest bridge you could have over the Genesee River and combine it with the Genese Wilds Project.
This is the proclamation from Chairman Harris:
On April 23,
WHEREAS, William “Bill” A. Nichols began his career as a Motor Equipment Operator in 1968 and he rose to the esteemed position of Highway Superintendent, a role in which he served with distinction. His steadfast dedication and tireless service to the community spanned over five decades; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Bill achieved significant milestones, including his election as Highway Superintendent in 1977 and his presidency of the Allegany County Town Highway Superintendents Association in 1980 and 1981. His expertise earned statewide recognition when DOT Commissioner William Hennessey appointed him to the CHIPS Coordinating Committee in 1982, where he played a pivotal role in shaping critical program guidelines that still serve all of New York State today; and
WHEREAS, Bill’s leadership extended beyond Allegany County. He served as President of the New York State Town Highway Superintendents Association and the Association of Towns of New York State in 2000. From 2002 to 2006, he continued his service as Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the New York State Town Highway Superintendents Association, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence in public administration; and
WHEREAS, in 2004, Bill was appointed to the Association of Towns Emergency Services Task Force, highlighting his proactive approach to addressing community needs. Additionally, his long-standing service on the Association of Towns Resolutions Committee, from 2001 to 2014, exemplified his dedication to advocacy and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nichols’ legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to public welfare will endure while guiding future generations. This dedication serves as a lasting tribute to his profound impact on Belfast and the broader community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED:
1. That County Road 26 Local Bridge #08-07 over the Genesee River in the Town of Belfast is dedicated in honor of William “Bill” A. Nichols.
Here is the press release from Allegany County:
Belfast, NY – A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the County Road 26 Bridge in Belfast was held at 10 a.m. today. The bridge was officially opened and named the William “Bill” A. Nichols Bridge. Representatives from Governor Hochul’s office, Congressman Langworthy’s office, Senator Borrello’s office, Assemblyman Sempolinski’s office, and Allegany County attended the ceremony along with family members and friends of Mr. Nichols.
William “Bill” Nichols, present at the ceremony, is a long-time resident of Belfast. His career in public works began in 1968 and continued for nearly fifty years. During that time, he served as Belfast Highway Superintendent, President of the Allegany County Highway Superintendents Association, New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc., and the New York State Association of Towns.
The bridge was closed to traffic in February 2022, which has greatly impacted the routing of police, fire, and emergency services, significantly altered school transportation plans, and created a substantial detour for commuter and business traffic. Shortly after the bridge was closed, Governor Hochul announced that Allegany County would be awarded $8.6 million toward the replacement of that bridge. The $8.6 million was funded by the NYS DOT through a combination of federal, state, and local funding.
