Thursday, the Empire State Development Board of Directors approved the adoption of the general project plan. It's the first step in the legal process to officially approving the proposed lease.

Additional approvals are needed by various agencies, as well as NFL owners, before the deal can legally be completed. That's expected to happen by late next month.

Leaders signed a memorandum of understanding for a 10-year lease extension at Ralph Wilson Stadium back in December. The agreement also includes $130 million in upgrades to the Ralph.