Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
This current report on Form 8-K/A is being filed to amend the initial report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by First Niagara Financial Group (the "Company") on January 21, 2005 for purposes of including an agreement entered into by the Company with Homestead Funding Corp., dated November 14, 2004, for which the Company requested confidential treatment. The Company withdrew its confidential treatment request from the Securities and Exchange Commission and includes the agreement herewith as Exhibit 99.1 Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired. Not applicable.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information. Not applicable.

(c) Shell Company Transactions. Not applicable.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 Agreement with Homestead Funding Corp. dated November 18, 2004.

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