Once the tribe files its amended environmental studies, it will then wait for the BIA to issue a "Finding of No Significant Impact" for the casino project. The spokesperson says that the tribe will then seek to finalize the land acquisition and land-in-trust process, which will require Gov. George Pataki to concur with a two-part BIA secretarial determination issued in April 2000 that stated the project was in the best interest of the tribe and would have no significant impacts on the surrounding communities.

The BIA has indicated that the entire land acquisition/land-in-trust process would be completed within two months of receiving Pataki's concurrence with the April 2000 determination, St. Regis Mohawk officials say. "Our goal is to break ground as soon as possible," the spokesperson says. He adds that based on the progress with the BIA, the tribe is hopeful that construction can begin on the gaming facility before year's end.

Tribal chief Barbara A. Lazore says the tribe is "encouraged by the information and will work to address the specific issues they identified in a prompt and thorough manner."Tribal chief Lorraine M. White says the BIA's comments and list of items to modify the environmental assessment is "further proof that the tribe's proposed casino project continues to progress at the federal level. The Tribal Council is committed to sufficiently addressing each of the items as soon as possible and will call upon the governor to join our growing list of elected leaders that support our efforts to create economic opportunities."

David P. Hanlon, president and CEO of Empire Resorts Inc., the development partner on the project, says, "The list of items from the Department of the Interior is consistent with our expectations and provides a definitive roadmap for moving forward with the environmental assessment. We have already begun work on all the remaining issues--such that we can obtain a modified environmental assessment as soon as possible."

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UPDATE: Monticello Casino Goes Back on the Clock Again

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