The state of New York wants to negotiate a Class III gaming compact dispute with the new leader of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.

Paul Thompson won election as chief on June 2. He was was sworn into office yesterday so the state will be able to reach out to him soon.

“It’s important to us negotiations start as soon as possible and hopefully don’t drag on,” St. Lawrence County Legislator Vernon D. “Sam” Burns (D) told The Watertown Daily Times. "They’re the two entities that have to work that out. There’s a lot going on, not just here, but on other reservations in the state.”

The tribe has withheld an estimated $35 million, accusing the state of allowing non-Indian gaming in violation of exclusivity provisions of the compact. The money is supposed to go to local communities.

Get the Story:
Tribal compact money for St. Lawrence County discussed in Albany (The Watertown Daily Times 7/2)

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New York tribes still withholding casino revenue from state (03/15)