Wallenda walk permit to be signed Tues.

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - The world and western New York are only 11 days away until all eyes are trained on Niagara Falls and Nik Wallenda's high wire walk.

As it turns out, Wallenda's team has yet to sign the agreement with New York State parks. Permits have not officially been issued to Wallenda for the June 15 walk. Parks officials say three drafts have been submitted to his team to be signed - but none have been returned. And that's not the only problem.

$1.2 million will buy the daredevil the opportunity of a lifetime: living out his high-wire dreams of crossing Niagara Falls. But unlike the rapid flow of falls, cash hasn't been pouring in.

"It's been a tough situation all around. Because of course I've been adamant about not wearing a safety and I've turned down money because I wasn't going to wear a safety," Wallenda said. "And now I have to wear a safety and I still can't get that money."

Now News 4 has confirmed permits for the June 15 walk have not been officially issued because Wallenda's team has yet to sign the agreement with NYS Parks. It's a major financial burden for Wallenda: $50,000 for the permit; $150,000 to reimburse the state for management costs; and $25,000 for park restoration.

Much of Wallenda's concern over cost comes from the contract he's signed with the television network, broadcasting his walk live around the nation. We're told that what he's being paid will not cover expenses incurred. Though we asked to see the contract, our request was turned down.

With just days to go before the walk, Wallenda is hoping folks in the Falls region will reach into their pockets and help to lessen the financial blow. He says it's about helping to make history.

"We do, we do have a lot of cost that we have to cover, and every little bit helps. So we figured this is a great opportunity for those asking how they can help to reach out and kind of uh, be a part of it," Wallenda explained.

Wallenda's goal is to reach $50,000 by the end of June. Of that, only about $6,000 has been raised, coming from about 50 people, posing a serious 11th hour problem for June 15. If you're interested in donating, follow this link.

As for the agreement with NYS Parks, Wallenda says the two sides continue to work together. Sen. George Maziarz tells News 4 that Wallenda and his team are expected to pay for the permits in Albany on Tuesday, at which time the permits will be issued.