Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz issued the following statement in support of Governor Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion Phase II proposal, which the Governor unveiled in his 2017 State of the State address earlier this week. Among numerous positive facets of the proposed $500 million expansion to the original Buffalo Billion initiative, Poloncarz noted economic and infrastructure proposals that will have significant positive impacts in Erie County.

“I thank Governor Cuomo and his staff for working with the city, county, and ECIDA to identify and support projects that are local priorities in constructing the Phase II initiative, which builds astutely on achievements from the original Buffalo Billion and positions Erie County for even greater success. Buffalo is the core of our county, and Buffalo’s health is critical to the overall health of Erie County. The wise investments proposed by Governor Cuomo will increase rail connectivity in our region, revitalize Buffalo’s East Side along with numerous community centers across the county, and continue the redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel site,” said Poloncarz. “The Phase II proposal will also augment workforce development efforts as well as stimulate light manufacturing, building a more prepared workforce and creating an atmosphere for them to succeed. Erie County is on the move and thanks to Governor Cuomo we will be building a better future for all.”