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John J. Mills - District 13 
October 4, 2006 Mills Supports Buffalo Zoo Rainforest Project East Aurora, New York – Erie County Legislator John J. Mills, Legislator for the 13th District, is offering support of county funding for the proposed South American Rainforest Exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo. The exhibit will become the signature attraction of the Buffalo Zoo. The total price tag for the project is $15.75 million, of which the county will contribute $4 million. New York State has pledged $6.75 million and private donations specifically for this project amount to $5 million. "This exactly the type of project Erie County's control Board has encouraged the county to identify and implement," stated Legislator Mills. "The control board wants the county to seek out projects with a cost return ratio of 2-to-1. This project exceeds that ratio. The project calls for the county to spend $4 million and get a $15.75 million facility in return." "We would miss a great opportunity by not supporting this project. If the county opts out of the project, the $5 million in private donations earmarked for the project evaporate and the $6.75 million pledged by New York State will be spent elsewhere in the state. "The Rainforest Exhibit will be a major draw as part of establishing Western New York as a destination for cultural tourism. Every tourist who visits the exhibit will spend money, which will help our local merchants and employees. It will also increase sales tax revenue. Spending $4 million now will more than pay for itself in the future," stated Legislator Mills. For further information, please contact Legislator Mills at his District Office located at 431 Main Street in East Aurora. The telephone number is 655-5650. You can also reach him by email at jmills13@erie.gov. |
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| The Erie County Legislature | 92 Franklin Street - 4th Floor | Buffalo, New York 14202 |