New York Legislators in Oneida County have approved a state-brokered agreement with the Oneida Indians involving land claims and gambling rights.
Members of the Oneida County Board of Legislators on Tuesday voted 16 to 13 to approve the broad agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo this month.
The deal would guarantee the Oneidas exclusive territory for their central New York casino in exchange for revenue payments to the state of around $50 million annually. It also would settle longstanding tax and land claim issues that have dogged the Oneida's relationship with their upstate neighbors.
Legislators in Madison County plan to vote on the deal on Thursday. It also requires approval by the state Legislature, the Department of the Interior and the state attorney general.
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