Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling for millions of dollars in state funding to help keep the Buffalo Bills in western New York.
Cuomo’s listing of “critical economic development investments” includes retaining the professional football franchise.
The Bills are the only NFL team to play in New York, with the Giants and Jets playing in New Jersey.
The team would be eligible for part of an $84 million fund to be shared by several economic development interests.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says it confirms what Cuomo said to him personally. “The Bills are a priority of his. He knows there is not only an economic but emotional value to Western New York. By him placing notice to the rest of New York state he wants this in the budget, it shows this is a priority and he wants to get (the lease) done this year.”
Poloncarz says this helps in negotiations with the county to renew the lease to Ralph Wilson Stadium. “I think it’s important that we do sit down and understand each side has a goal but I believe in the end the goal is to keep the team in Buffalo, make them economically viable for years to come, and to ensure future generations can enjoy the Buffalo Bills like we have,” notes Poloncarz.
The Bills want upgrades to their stadium. The team’s lease expires in 2013, after which the Bills could move from Orchard Park.
The Bills declined to comment on the story.
http://www.wben.com/Cuomo-Seeks-Millions-for-Bills-to-Stay-in-Town/12020228