Windfall From Casinos Hits Niagra Falls
Niagra Falls, New York is using an early Christmas present to provide for civil projects. The city will receive $23.5 million from the Seneca Nation as payment against the city's share of slot machine revenue. The money will go to pay for a new airport terminal and reduce bond debt on a new courthouse and plice station, among other projects.
The payment is the city's share of $135.6 million paid the state by the Senecas as tax on income from the tribe's two casinos, primarily the Niagra Falls location. The money covers what is owed by the Senecas for operations in 2006 and early 2007.
The city is receiving more than $3 million over what was budgeted, a sure sign of the success of the Seneca Falls Casino and Seneca Allegheny Casino. Mayor Vince Anello proclaimed the occasion "a great day for the city."
Money from the tax will also go to the local school board and medical district.
