S. Dennis Holbrook
Director of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York 
Former Ex. Vice President & Chief Legal Officer of Norse Energy

Message to rest of New York: Buffalo’s Future is being transformed by the investments of the Pagula family, investments made from natural gas development.

While the ball is still in play on the Buffalo Bills new ownership, Terry and Kim Pegula’s leadership role here is commendable. Back in 2011, Terry’s commitment to the Buffalo Sabres took a new turn when he bought the troubled team and significantly invested in its future. More than being team owners, the Pegula family has rapidly become one of the most significant families in our region, using their time, talent, and treasure to advance our region on many levels.

Consider the family’s investment in downtown Buffalo: the HarborCenter is a perfect example of private development money smartly used. Hundreds of construction workers from regional businesses are making this happen. And when the complex opens later this year and into next year, that means more jobs, another influx of out of town visitors, more hotel nights, dollars spent in local restaurants, and another property for Visit Buffalo Niagara’s sales arsenal.  The multiplier effect is tremendous.

HarborCenter

The Pegulas invest with their heart. A gift to Kim Pegula’s alma mater (Houghton College in Allegany County) created a sports complex. Another gift to St Bonaventure University in Cattaraugus County built another one. As philanthropists and developers, the Pegulas are setting a new mark for community investment with long-term ramifications.  The built-environment projects alone (not counting the purchase of the Sabres or the proposed purchase of the Bills) exceed the New York state-tax payer funded Buffalo Billion.

These are transformative investments for Western New York.

The source of their family’s wealth is natural gas development, and while factions of our community may be quick to scorn this, it must be said that without the science, innovation, and technology behind this industry and its safe development of this valuable and environmentally benign natural resource, largess like the Pegulas’ couldn’t create jobs or bring economic growth to this region.

Throughout Pennsylvania, In places like Towanda and Williamsport, and the rural communities of Bradford and Susquehanna Counties, there are countless stories of how lives have been changed for the better, thanks to natural gas development. Family farms have been saved from foreclosure.  Flagging businesses flourish, and new businesses have launched. Landowners have monies to save for their future, and for their children’s and grand-children’s futures, too.  As Governor Cuomo said in Buffalo recently, when he helped unveil the tax-payer funded improvements to Ralph Wilson Stadium, “positive begets positive.”

Kim and Terry Pegula

There will always be those who chose to ignore the positive impact that natural gas development – through careful research, applied science, technology, and innovation – can make in New York State. That’s unfortunate. Natural gas revenue is helping change Buffalo’s future, and for that we can all be proud.

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