The extent to which we relied on local patrons up to now has been by design. We didn't want to bring people up from longer distances if we didn't have [an overnight] place to put them.

We would certainly like to capture as much of that as possible and support local jobs.

Over the past three years there have been instances when outside groups have approached the Nation . . . with joint development ideas. But at this time none of the projects have been of interest to us. I wouldn't say its something that we would never consider, but it would have to be the right situation.

We're just beginning the process to review them and mostly spell out each firm's qualifications and experience and vision for what we hope to create in Buffalo.

We want everyone to understand what we've done and what we plan to do. We're talking about jobs, investment and economic opportunity.

We basically focused on the 9-acre parcel the Nation acquired in October because that's the only piece currently under the Nation's control.

We believe that Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino will provide tangible economic benefits to the community, most notably in the share of slot revenues. It is a $125 million investment in an area that hasn't seen that kind of investment in some time, if ever.