DOJ disapproves of Mohawk land and gaming deal

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2003

The Bush administration hasn't agreed to settle the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's land claim or authorize off-reservation gaming in New York, The Albany Times Union reports.

A Department of Justice official wrote a critical letter to N.Y. Gov. George Pataki (R). Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark said announcement of the $100 million deal was premature because the federal government hasn't committed to paying $70 million to the tribe. Neither has the Department of Interior approved a casino in the Catskills, he said.

The deal was announced this week by Pataki and Mohawk leaders. They acknowledged it requires several levels of approval.

Get the Story:
Official faults announcement of Mohawk pact (The Albany Times Union 5/15)

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