ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — With construction of the new Bills stadium set to begin next year, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says fans shouldn't be worried if plans aren't finalized soon.

The county and the Buffalo Bills have yet to finalize plans on the $1.4 billion project. The original date to finalize plans was pushed back from September 1 to October 15, though at the time, stakeholders didn't give a reason for the delay.

The framework of the deal for the new stadium was reached in March under a memorandum of understanding.

With the deadline coming up, Poloncarz is confident plans will be finalized, eventually.

"The nice thing you see is everyone is working diligently," said Poloncarz. "If we get it done before October 15, great. If we get it done in the last few hours like Kaleida did, great. If it takes a few extra days, great."

Just last week, Erie County acquired 57 acres from ECC to make way for construction of the stadium.

Now, Poloncarz says that even if plans were finalized right away, construction still wouldn't begin until next year, pending the state environmental quality review, weather and other factors.

The Bills plan to welcome fans to the new stadium in time for the 2026 season.