The BIA's findings include recommendations that the subjectproperty be taken into trust for the benefit of the Cayuga Nationand that the development of a Native American gaming facility atMonticello Raceway be found to be in the best interest of theCayuga Nation, and would not be detrimental to the surroundingcommunity, Empire Resorts officials say. The application is stillsubject to further review by state and federal officials, includingapproval by the Secretary of Interior. In addition, the CayugaNation of New York must receive approval of its fee in fee to trustapplication from Gov. George Pataki and a gaming compact must befinalized between the Cayuga Nation and the State of New York.

Charles Degliomini, a spokesman for Empire Resorts, terms thepositive recommendation by the Eastern Regional Office of theBureau of Indian Affairs as "a significant step closer" to thestart of construction. Empire Resorts will be the developer of thecasino project and operate the facility once it is operational. Headds, "There are productive negotiations going on between the Stateof New York and the Cayugas."

In mid-April, organized labor and the chief parties behind theCayuga Catskill Resort finalized a project labor agreement for thefacility that will be built on 30 acres of land adjacent to theraceway.