[FONT=Verdana]Work is gearing up for demolition of "The Aud" and Donovan State Office Building to make way for a Bass Pro Superstore in Buffalo, NY.

Developments occurred on two fronts. First, Erie County Executive Joel Giambra today signed a memorandum of understanding freeing up $7 million in county funding for the start of demolition work on the mothballed Memorial Auditorium.

Also, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation agreed to enter into a contract with Op Tech Environmental Services for removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials from the Aud and Donovan Building sites.

"This M.O.U. provides for the County of Erie to jumpstart the essential next step in creating a vibrant mixed-use waterfront development," said Giambra.

Work will involve labeling, containerization, removal, disposal, and recycling of contaminated materials.

The total cost is more than $523,000.[/FONT]