The closure of the Seaway International Bridge is having a negative economic impact on Mohawks in U.S. and Canada.

Nearly 200 businesses -- smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores, gaming facilities and other enterprises -- are located on Mohawk lands in U.S. and Canada. All are hurting because tribal members from both countries aren't able to cross the border and spend money.

"This has hit us hard," Chief James Ransom of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York told the Associated Press. Revenues have dropped by 25 percent at one tribal gaming facility and 30 percent at another.

"We haven't had to lay off any workers yet, but that's what we're looking at, if this continues," Ransom said.

On the Canadian side, several businesses have closed and laid off workers in the month since the bridge was shut down to most traffic. Businesses in a city near the reservation say they are losing about $10,000 a day.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne plans to sue Canada to resolve the bridge closure and the arming of guards at a border station that sits on tribal land.

Get the Story:
Mohawks v. Canada: Bridge shutdown hurts business (AP 7/5)

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