Bass Pro's letter to Brian Higgins

WASHINGTON, DC (WIVB) - Bass Pro released the following letter to the media to comment on their decision to not bring a mega store to downtown Buffalo as part of the Canalside project.

They also stated that they would have no further comment "of any kind".

July 29, 2010

Honorable Brian Higgins
27th District, New York
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
431 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World® Store, Buffalo, New York

Dear Congressman Higgins:

This is a response to your letter of July 19, 2010, regarding the proposed Buffalo, New York, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World® Store. We appreciate your interest and support for the Canal Side project in general, and our proposed store in particular.

Unfortunately, we cannot respond favorably to the lease draft forwarded to us by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation within the fourteen day time period you requested in your letter. There are numerous critical reasons for our position, including the fact that several major issues fundamental to the successful completion of the project remain unresolved.

We have in good faith expended significant time and invested well over one million dollars in working with ECHDC and many other supporters on due diligence and design, first with the Aud, and then with the current Canal Side master plan. We hope our efforts and suggestions prove to be beneficial to the project over the long term.

Congressman, we agree with you that this process has taken far too long as we have also tried to remain patient and positive toward the project as significant issues were identified that have caused repeated delays. You stated in your letter that the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation could proceed successfully with the Canal Side project without our involvement. We believe this approach would be in the best interests of all parties, and earlier today informed the ECHDC that we are withdrawing from further consideration of this development.

During our many visits to Buffalo we have come to appreciate the beauty and history of the Buffalo waterfront. We wish you and the ECHDC every success with the Canal Side project.

Sincerely,

J.A. Hagale
President
Bass Pro, Inc.