New York State has received $564 million from the Seneca Nation to resolve a gaming compact dispute.
The Seneca Nation Council approved the transfer of funds in a vote on Monday afternoon, according to WGRZ. That same day, Governor Kathy Hochul announced her plan to put the state’s portion of the money towards the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
Related: Deal reached for new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park
The total estimated cost for the new Buffalo Bills stadium is $1.35 billion. State and county taxpayers will commit $850 million in public funds to the project, the largest ever public commitment to an NFL facility, according to News10 NBC.
Out of the Seneca Nation’s $564 million payment, $418 million will go to the state. The rest of the funds will go to counties and cities in western New York. The $418 million payment to the state will go towards the new Bills stadium.
We’ve secured $564 million in payments owed to State & local governments.
These funds were generated in Western New York & will support the State’s share of the new Buffalo Bills stadium. Remaining funds will go directly to Western New York communities. https://t.co/Wp2v98lPeF
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 30, 2022
Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels has remained critical of what he calls New York State “intentionally attempt[ing] to hold the Seneca people and thousands of Western New Yorkers hostage” through “economic coercion,” a reference to a subpoena from the state that prevented the Senecas from conducting banking transactions.
You can listen to Pagels’ full statement here.
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