For the first time since December 2019, North Country communities in New York will be seeing money owed to them by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.
The tribe paid nearly $2.4 million in delinquent compact funds to St. Lawrence County, as well as the towns of Massena and Brasher and Franklin County.
Of the $2.38 million, half of it went to St. Lawrence county, with the remaining amount split among the two towns. Franklin County got an additional $2.38 million.
St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair William Sheridan, told the media that this was an important first step.
“St. Lawrence County is pleased to see the state of New York and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe honor their commitments and begin the process of making us whole with respect to our Tribal Compact Agreement,” Sheridan said. “While not the total amount still owed under the Agreement, this amount goes a long way in maintaining good faith relations between the local communities, the State, and the Tribe. Lots of miles and many days and hours put in over the years to make this happen.”
The money was owed because of an agreement made between the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and the state of New York. The tribe can operate gaming in casinos on tribal land, but are required to pay 25% of the profits from slot machines.
Franklin County manager Donna J. Kissane said the money collected was a portion of what is still owed.
“We look forward to the next payment from the state so that we can reconcile the accounts and move forward with current payments,” Kissane said.
The three years of non-payment is the longest time the tribe has not paid the compact. Tribal officials stopped payments at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Franklin County Manager Donna Kissane told reporters she is glad to see the tribe honor their commitments.
“We are proud of the work put forth by all to reach a point where the payments can recommence following a period of nonpayment,” Kissane said. “The communities share in the Compact Funds and we are excited to finally be at a point where St. Lawrence County can pass along the portion of the funds to the towns of Massena and Brasher. I am thrilled to see movement to return to a regular payment schedule.”
