The City of Rochester would lose at least $6.4 million in state aid that had been anticipated this year if Governor David Paterson's proposed budget reductions are approved by state lawmakers, Mayor Bob Duffy announced yesterday.

The cut is part of major budget reductions proposed by Paterson.

"It's a huge hit," Duffy said, adding that he hopes to have a plan for bridging the gap within the next few days.

The money that Paterson wants to cut would come from the state's Aid Incentives for Municipalities allocation.

At a press conference at City Hall yesterday afternoon, Duffy said he's confident that state money for the demolition of Midtown Plaza - which does not come from AIM funds - is still intact.

It'll be a priority for the state delegation to lobby for reinstatement of the $6.4 million AIM funding, Duffy said. He also said that while he's not happy about Paterson's announcement, he had expected cuts at some time. "There's going to be more pain," he said.

During the press conference, he said repeatedly that this is not the time to ask for more money from the state. Renaissance Square officials have said they'll seek state funds to help close the $55 million gap that the project faces. Asked about that possibility at the press conference, Duffy said: "I would tell them to save that gas, stay home, and not ask."

"My sense is that it's not gonna happen," he said.