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The vote was unanimous, 11-0.
Legislator Edward Rath did some number crunching on the tax revenues involved and had no problem supporting the deal.
"So, I'm very confident from a quantitative standpoint this is a positive return on investment for the residents of Erie County. Very important because people have been asking that question. With all this money we're putting into it, is it worthwhile? I firmly believe that, yes, in fact it is extremely worthwhile for the residents of Erie County," Rath said in his remarks prior to the vote.
Legislator Lynn Marinelli also supported the effort.
"We are here to move the next steps of the Bills, county, and state memorandum of understanding. This allows the signatures to be done, and the next steps to be taken, and on behalf of the community that I'm privileged to serve, I'm happy to support this effort," she said.
Other legislators -- such as Kevin Hardwick and John Mills -- expressed their support and said it's a good investment in the community.
It was just a week ago that lawmakers took a tour of Ralph Wilson Stadium and learned more about the upcoming renovation work at the facility.
FUTURE STADIUM?
Looking several years down the line on the new agreement, a working group will study the possibility of having the Bills move into a bran new stadium.
Legislator Tim Hogues says wouldn't have a problem locating the facility in the downtown area, noting a group has already made such a proposal.
"The type of facility they're talking about in the downtown area will facilitate a lot of energy, a lot more investment in the downtown Buffalo area," Hogues says.
