Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's office released a financial plan summary in his budget proposal that specifically mentioned $84 million for "critical economic development investments," including the Bills.
More specifically, the summary stated that some of the money was for "the retention of professional football in Western New York." In an interview Tuesday with The Buffalo News, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz expressed excitement.
But in reality, a deeper look into the budget plan shows that money won't be used to help the Bills remain here or to extend their lease for Ralph Wilson Stadium. The money, in fact, totaled a meager $2.94 million and was the final scheduled payment from the lease agreement made under then-Gov. George E. Pataki.
For perspective on how far $2.94 million goes in the National Football League, it would be less than a third of Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's signing bonus.
There was no new money allocated for the Bills in the proposed budget. Cuomo's office technically wouldn't need to designate funding until the 2013-14 fiscal year budget because that's when the Bills' current lease for Ralph Wilson Stadium will expire.
More specifically, the summary stated that some of the money was for "the retention of professional football in Western New York." In an interview Tuesday with The Buffalo News, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz expressed excitement.
But in reality, a deeper look into the budget plan shows that money won't be used to help the Bills remain here or to extend their lease for Ralph Wilson Stadium. The money, in fact, totaled a meager $2.94 million and was the final scheduled payment from the lease agreement made under then-Gov. George E. Pataki.
For perspective on how far $2.94 million goes in the National Football League, it would be less than a third of Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's signing bonus.
There was no new money allocated for the Bills in the proposed budget. Cuomo's office technically wouldn't need to designate funding until the 2013-14 fiscal year budget because that's when the Bills' current lease for Ralph Wilson Stadium will expire.
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