From Easter and Passover to Dyngus Day there have been plenty of reasons to celebrate and enjoy the company of loved ones recently. The celebration of different cultures, faiths, and ethnicities that make up this region is part of what makes the Western New York melting post such a wonderful place to live.
As elected leaders, it's important to make decisions to ensure this region continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family. Easing the burden for future generations is one way to do that. That's why I tapped the brakes when the capital projects bonding resolution came before us for a vote. The Legislature had already approved the projects. At a time when Erie County is recording record surpluses, the resolution sought to borrow too much money, while Erie County still pays millions in interest on borrowed money for previous projects not yet started. In fact, over the past three years more than $60 million in approved projects, paid for with both cash and bonded funds, were either not completed or not yet started.
I'm pleased that through negotiations with our colleagues and the county executive, were able to ensure more of the projects in the resolution would be paid for in cash. Additionally, and separate from that resolution, we worked to have Erie County put $25 million more in cash down on the Buffalo Bills stadium deal, saving taxpayers more than $16 million in interest payments over the life of the bonds. We will also use another $9.5 million in budget surplus to pay down existing debt obligations with the current stadium. By utilizing available cash surplus in appropriating $125 million of the $250 million Erie County agreed to pay for the new stadium, taxpayers will save more than $80 million over the life of the loan.
I'm pleased that more inclusive playgrounds have been completed at Erie County's heritage parks. The playgrounds were an initiative of the Republican Caucus in 2021 when we approached the County Executive to use budget surplus dollars to build the playgrounds. We identified a real need for children of all abilities to be able to enjoy playgrounds. The first completed was at Chestnut Ridge Park. Como Lake Park and Emery Park recently unveiled inclusive playgrounds there, and Akron Falls and Ellicott Creek Parks will also have them.
The County Executive shared his vision for the county last week in his annual State of the County Address. While I don't agree with all the plans he has for your tax dollars, I am ready to learn more about some of these proposals. We often hear big ideas in these addresses, followed by no concrete plan for them to come to fruition.
If you have a county related issue or concern, don't hesitate to reach out to my office at 716-858-8676 or Christopher.Greene@erie.gov and please follow my Facebook page, Legislator Chris Greene. As always, thank you for the honor of serving you.
