Statement by William Bissett, President of Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Regarding Albany Meeting Today

William Bissett, president of Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, today issued the following statement regarding the meeting in Albany, N.Y.:

"The purpose of our meeting today at the Capitol was to once again explain our Aqueduct bid and answer any questions from the Senate Majority staff. We had a productive session.

We were not asked to amend our bid, nor are we able to do so because of legal constraints. Instead, this meeting was all about dispelling certain misconceptions regarding our approach. Chief among them is that our proposal does not involve economic development. In fact, our proposal always included a comprehensive vision for a world-class destination attraction that would be a catalyst for regional growth.

We are confident that the Senate Majority now has a better understanding of our proposal and the economic benefits that would accrue from it, including 1,200 permanent jobs in Queens and up to 100 jobs in Buffalo.

Governor Paterson and Speaker Silver have already endorsed our bid, and we are eager for Senate Majority Leader Skelos to do the same."