Buffalo, N.Y., Convention Center Requests Large Subsidy from County.

Byline: Brian Meyer

Sep. 25--The Buffalo Convention Center will need a 24 percent increase in its county subsidy next year to offset anticipated declines in rental revenue and food sales, officials said Friday.

Managers of the county-owned facility have submitted a budget request for $1.46 million in county funding, up $285,000 from the current year. They said the projected shortfall is a reflection of the facility's increasing difficulties in landing large conventions, coupled with intensified competition within the Buffalo area for hosting smaller events.

Dan D. Kohane, chairman of the convention center's board of directors, said managers are …