Indian Gaming > Two-part determination for St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

December 15, 2006

Two-part determination for St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

The Interior Department has approved the two-part determination application for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York.

Interior associate deputy secretary Jim Cason said the Bureau of Indian Affairs concluded the tribe's proposed off-reservation casino would not have a significant impact on the environment. He is sending a letter to Gov. George Pataki (R), seeking his concurrence.

Pataki has supported the casino. If he approves, the Mohawks will be the fourth tribe to complete the two-part determination process successfully.

The tribe plans a $600 million Class III facility in the Catskills, more than 380 miles from the reservation but only about 90 miles north of New York City [Casino Stalker]. The casino site is already home to a racetrack with electronic gaming machines.

Pataki signed legislation that authorizes up to three casinos in the Catskills. The Mohawks are the furthest along in the process but their project has encountered numerous delays.

Get the Story:
Casino Plan for Catskills Moves Closer to Reality With Interior Department’s Approval (The New York Times 12/15)
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