ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills and state development officials are taking steps forward on the road to a new Bills stadium.

Empire State Development says two contracts that could affect that stadium's future are in the process of being executed.

ESD board members recently approved a half-a-million-dollar contract with O'Melveny & Myers LLP.

They say the firm is set to provide legal services related to stadium negotiations.

ESD says the second in-process contract is with the real estate and infrastructure consulting firm AECOM. It's set to receive $150,000 in exchange for analyzing possible locations, sizes, amenities and costs of building the facility.

About a week ago, Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters a study examining alternate options for a stadium would be released in mid-November.

Pegula Sports and Entertainment is looking to build a new $1.4 billion stadium near the Bills’ current home at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.

The lease between Erie County and the Bills for Highmark Stadium expires in 2023.