MONTICELLO – The US Department of the Interior late Friday rejected a compact between the State of New York and the Wisconsin Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohicans to build a casino and resort in Sullivan County.
In a statement from Del Laverdure, the principal assistant secretary for Indian Affairs, the compact was rejected
“It’s back to square one,” said Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther of Sullivan County. Gunther said now is the time to begin the process to change the state constitution to allow casinos.
“I think New York State could use it, especially Sullivan County and the Mid-Hudson region, can use the economic development project,” she said. “It would be lovely to have hotel rooms and shows; it would be a nice compliment for our tourism industry.”
Stockbridge Munsee President Kimberly Vele said the tribe was disappointed by the decision “But will continue to work toward final resolution of all issues with all of these parties with as much dedication and cooperation as we have in the past.”
Meanwhile, the Oneida Indian Nation applauded the DOI decision. The federal agency “confirmed what we’ve been saying from the moment this compact was signed – the Stockbridge Munsee have no legitimate claims to the lands of New York, therefore this process was always destined to fail.
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