The Erie County Legislature approved funding Thursday for the Buffalo Zoo's new Polar Bear exhibit. Lawmakers unanimously approved the borrowing yesterday. The funding became a controversial topic when democratic lawmakers questioned why the County Executive Chris Collins suddenly called on them to pull together $6 million to help the Zoo. But lawmakers decided to approve $3-million in funding based on a budget compromise with incoming County executive elect Mark Poloncarz. Democratic lawmaker Lynn Marinelli weighed in before the vote was taken. “Hopefully we will be seeing a return on investment. I think Donna Fernandez and the zoo have put together a very reasonable realistic package they have hostile to get other funding partners. This isn't only the counties to contribute to and certainly there's more work to be done,” said Marinelli. Majority Leader Maria Whyte also praised all sides for creating a compromise. The Polar Bear exhibit must be upgraded in order to keep the bears at the Zoo in the future.
Funding approved for polar bear exhibit
