CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY - Seneca Nation of Indian’s President Barry E. Snyder, St. reaffirmed the Nation’s intention to seek a New York State Compact to develop a full service Class III Gaming casino and hotel in the Catskills. The Nation has been actively pursuing the project with its exclusive development partner Rotate Black Gaming Inc. The announcement, Saturday, comes days after the St. Regis Mohawks recently voted as not to pursue a casino in the Catskills.

“The Seneca Nation is firmly committed to Sullivan County, the Town of Thompson, its officials and residents,” said Snyder. “This project will bring economic growth opportunities to generate a rebirth of this region, put it back on solid financial footing to develop its tourism base and provide much needed job opportunities. We understand the hardships this area has faced because as an independent nation we are challenged every day to create economic sovereignty opportunities for our people.”

This past August, a government contingent led by President Barry E. Snyder, Sr. and other Seneca tribal counselors met with Senator Charles Schumer, Bureau of Indian Affairs Head Larry Echohawk and Sullivan County representatives tourge the federal government to lift the Kempthorne restriction which prohibits Indian tribes from taking off-reservation land into trust for gaming purposes;a necessary step for New York’s Indian Nations to establish gaming operations in Sullivan County.

With over 24 million people living within two hours of the proposed gaming site, the Seneca’s Catskill casino will also create a significant economic development infusion into this struggling region of the State. It is estimated that more than $100 million in vendor sales will be directly accessed from Hudson Valley businesses.  Governments and taxpayers in the region will benefit from indirect sales tax, income tax and property tax benefits paid by non-Native employees, vendors and contractors. In addition, the exclusivity payments to the State and local host communities will provide millions of dollars in new revenues that will help to reduce unemployment, create jobs, bring new business to the area, broaden the current tax base, reduce real property tax burdens and more.