A: The preliminary cost estimates for a new convention center range from $329 million to $368 million, if the convention center were located a site near Canalside, KeyBank Center and HarborCenter. The estimate is $350 million to $429 million if the convention center stays where it is, but is renovated and expanded to incorporate part of the Statler building and the entire block just north of the Statler.

The site near Canalside would cost less because it would be built on undeveloped land. Currently, that entire area is paved parking lots, including one used by The Buffalo News. In addition, the old convention center building could be sold to help finance construction of a new one.

Since there is still no final location or price tag for a new convention center, it's too early to answer these questions with specifics. Even so, inevitably some of the cost would likely be borne by local taxpayers. County leaders are hopeful the state would contribute money toward the project, as it has in other cities, and County Executive Mark Poloncarz has mentioned raising the hotel bed tax or even creating a special taxing district as possible ways to help finance a new facility.

From Jeanine Baran: What will happen to the old one?