The Buffalo Zoo has collected its $4 million from Erie County for its new South American Rain Forest Exhibit.

County Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz delivered the check Wednesday, since he and the state-appointed control board have an agreement over how to borrow money for long-term projects.

Poloncarz had been unwilling to front the zoo’s $4 million from cash on hand until he was certain the county would take out its customary “capital projects” loan.

The zoo had obtained its own line of credit, to pay its rain-forest contractors, until obtaining the $4 million pledge, months later than expected.

The comptroller said he soon will advance money for other county-financed projects, at the Botanical Gardens and Ralph Wilson Stadium, for example.

Donna Fernandes, zoo president, said the zoo will use the money to pay pastdue bills and repay the money it borrowed.

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