Blueprint to boost regional economy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A meeting of the minds in Buffalo generated a blueprint to boost the regional economy.
We've heard the ideas before, but Monday night, local leaders from the Buffalo Niagara region tell us how they plan to bring their plans to fruition with the state in a financial crisis.

The plan to expand the University at Buffalo by 2020 is considered the future of the Buffalo Niagara Region.

But unlike other projects, business leaders say this one does not need state cash for every phase.

Andrew Rudnick (Buffalo Niagara Partnership) said, "It's gonna be regulatory relief."

The relief would come in the form of being able to establish its own tuition policy; a measure the state would have to approve that would require no money.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins wants to continue redeveloping the waterfront, and now he's taken a new step to secure the funding.

Collins said, "I sent a letter to the governor six weeks ago explaining step by step what we could do to save billions of dollars in Albany. I have not heard back from the governor."

Local leaders say the key to securing state aid, even when it's facing a financial crisis, is by focusing on a few projects.

Rudnick said, "There will be funding at some point, and we need to make it clear to our elected officials what our priorities are for that funding when it becomes available."

Local leaders think it will be easier to receive state funding for their regional agenda if they all agree on the same plan for western New York.