Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “Today, the Court ruled in favor of New York State in the ongoing matter with the Seneca Nation of Indians regarding the sharing of revenue from gaming operations in Buffalo and other cities in New York State. This ruling confirms the consistent, long-standing belief we have held since the Seneca Nation stopped making payments: that the State and the City are owed this money and the Seneca Nation should pay it. We hope that today’s ruling ends the Seneca Nation’s attempts to delay payments owed to the State and the City, that we can resume a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Seneca Nation and that the millions of dollars owed to Buffalo and its residents are paid quickly, so that our City’s excellent financial position can no longer be questioned.”
Council President Darius Pridgen said, “I am excited to hear about the news that came from the US District Court and what that means for the city of Buffalo. I am grateful for my colleagues in government, from Governor Cuomo, to Buffalo’s state delegation, and my fellow members of the Common Council for their tireless work as we have come to this resolution. My hope going forward is that we can continue to have a positive working relationship with the Seneca Nation as a stakeholder and important part of our community.”