[FONT=Verdana]More than a decade after the last puck was dropped at the Aud, it is one step closer to becoming a piece of history. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation voted today to award a contract for asbestos removal in the building. That will begin around March 1st.

"Today is a very significant event for Western New York. It is probably ten years late. We have taken the first step in awarding a contract that will result in the demolition of War Memorial Auditorium," said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Jordan Levy.

It is a 3.3 million dollar contract for asbestos removal which must be done before the building can come down on a site being eyed for Bass Pro. There are one million additional dollars to try to speed up the schedule. Levy hoping by the end of September the asbestos will be removed. Right after that, they can begin the demolition process. He estimates the building is down in about a year and a half, about 6 months ahead of schedule. Erie County has kicked in about 7 million dollars to bring down the Aud. Erie County Executive Chris Collins was at the meeting.

"I would like to go to every meeting to hear they are shortening time frames and coming in under budget," said Collins.

Levy expecting to see some plans from Bass Pro in the next few weeks. Both the developer, Benderson Development, and the Canal Corporation have signed a pre development deal. That pre development deal has not been signed by Bass Pro yet. Bass Pro said today, "We are still moving forward", and Levy is optimistic it will happen. [/FONT]