Cayuga Catskill Casino Venture Moves a Step Closer

MONTICELLO, NY-A new frontrunner in the race to build a casino in the Catskills has emerged–the Cayuga Nation of New York’s proposal to build a $500-million casino on land adjacent to Monticello Raceway here. Empire Resorts Inc., a partner in the proposed Cayuga Catskills Resort project, says the Eastern Regional Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs has recommended its fee-to-trust application be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The BIA’s findings include recommendations that the subject property be taken into trust for the benefit of the Cayuga Nation and that the development of a Native American gaming facility at Monticello Raceway be found to be in the best interest of the Cayuga Nation, and would not be detrimental to the surrounding community, Empire Resorts officials say. The application is still subject to further review by state and federal officials, including approval by the Secretary of Interior. In addition, the Cayuga Nation of New York must receive approval of its fee in fee to trust application from Gov. George Pataki and a gaming compact must be finalized between the Cayuga Nation and the State of New York.

Charles Degliomini, a spokesman for Empire Resorts, terms the positive recommendation by the Eastern Regional Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs as “a significant step closer” to the start of construction. Empire Resorts will be the developer of the casino project and operate the facility once it is operational. He adds, “There are productive negotiations going on between the State of New York and the Cayugas.”