"That the Seneca Nation of Indians has contributed significantly to the economy of Western New York in the past few years is indisputable. The extent of that contribution has been outlined in a new Seneca-commissioned report, but the value of casino-related economic impacts always will remain a focus of local debate.

What is most interesting, though, is that the Senecas felt it necessary to make the point. The study indicates the Senecas have helped to create 1,100 new jobs and suggests that they are contributing more money into the local economy than the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres combined.

In the recent 43-page economic impact study prepared by the Taylor Policy Group of Florida, “The Seneca Nation Economy,” analysts report that the nation’s economy generated $1.136 billion in revenues in 2007, down slightly from 2005. The Seneca economy, they added, grew by 188 percent since 1995 and will continue to expand as the Buffalo Creek Casino opens in 2010.

Add to that a finding that the aggregate Seneca business community employs 6,311 full-time workers in several Western New York counties, with workers receiving wages and salaries totaling $191.3 million in 2007.

Money directed to New York State includes hundreds of millions of dollars in gambling exclusivity payments, one quarter of which Albany directed to the host counties and communities in which the nation’s casinos are located. The nation also paid New York an additional $10.4 million to reimburse the cost of gaming regulation borne by New York."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Seneca economy grows (The Buffalo News 7/7)

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