County Insists On Benefits for $250M in Bills Stadium Funding

Though the New York legislature has agreed to a funding package for a new Buffalo Bills stadium, Erie County is still negotiating.

County lawmakers are seeking a community benefits package from Bills owners Kim and Terry Pegula. Among the key issues that legislators and community groups want addressed:

• Transportation access to the stadium
• Job opportunities
• Youth development

“That’s a non-negotiable for myself and my vote,” said Erie County chair April Baskin.

The county legislature is expected to vote on a nonbinding memorandum of understanding in the coming weeks and to have the entire process wrapped up by Sept. 1.

Under the deal with the team, Erie County will chip in $250 million for the new stadium, on top of $600 million from the state. NFL owners are providing a $200 million loan, which the Pegulas must at least match. The team will repay the loan through visiting team ticket revenue. 

Sinking Approval

A new Siena poll conducted April 18-21 found that 63% of New Yorkers oppose the state providing $600 million for the stadium, with 24% in favor. Those results are similar but more pronounced than one released March 30, which saw the deal opposed 55% to 22%. 

The same Siena poll found that Gov. Kathy Hochul, who orchestrated the stadium deal, saw her job performance rating drop to 36%, with voters citing a host of issues.