The public in Niagara Falls got their chance Wednesday to hear the details and provide their own comments regarding three proposals from the state that could see the American Falls “turned off” for a period of months.

The famed falls may be temporarily redirected, but not for at least three years.

At the public hearing the state’s regional parks chief said there is not yet funding for a bridge replacement project that would necessitate shutting down one section of the falls. The plans are to replace two pedestrian bridges which are each 115-years old.

When that does happen a temporary structure would be built to re-direct the falls for up to nine-months. The American and Bridal Falls would be dry while the water is diverted over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Officials said federal, state or private funding would have to be found right away for the project to start in 2019 .