Column: New York breaks piggybank in Seneca gaming dispute

Tuesday, November 13, 2012  

"Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week touted a deal to advance payments from the New York Power Authority to Niagara Falls as the state “stepping up” to provide fiscal stability in the Falls.

But it's the state's actions in its dispute with the Seneca Nation that helped create the mess that left the Falls scrambling when money from the Seneca Niagara Casino dried up.

The state blames the Senecas for refusing to pay the slots revenue. The Senecas claim their exclusive rights to run casinos were violated.

Niagara Falls, meanwhile, is stuck in the middle, with little say over the matter and projects it planned to pay for with casino cash piling up.

Backed into a financial corner, Mayor Paul Dyster and the City Council have been calling for help. That's where the New York Power Authority comes in."

Get the Story:
Denise Jewell Gee: State acts to put Falls in cash flow (The Buffalo News 11/12)

Editorial: State to blame for loss of Seneca gaming revenues (11/6)