The Oneida County Partnership Plan
On Friday, May 8, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente announced that Oneida County and the Oneida Indian Nation have at last reached an agreement on the Nation’s trust land application. To move forward, the plan requires a vote of approval by the Oneida County Board of Legislators, subsequent ratification by the New York State Legislature, and the signature of Governor David A. Paterson.
The major provisions of the plan are:
- The State of New York and Oneida County will end legal challenges to placing 8,800 acres of Oneida Indian Nation land into trust.
- The Oneida Nation will pay $55 million to Oneida County, $30 million up front and another $2.5 million per year for the next ten years. Every community in Oneida County will share in these revenues, which will be used to fund economic development projects and stabilize taxes.
- The Oneida Nation must wait five years from the agreement before applying for more land in trust.
- The Oneida Nation’s government will tax businesses on Nation lands at the same levels as state and local sales taxes on non-Indian lands. This will provide a level playing field with non-Nation businesses.
- The Oneida Nation and the Oneida County Sheriff will enter into a deputization agreement.
- New York State will begin a process to permit the issuance of a liquor license to Turning Stone Resort Casino.
More information:
Official Terms of Agreement of Plan to Resolve Oneida Indian Nation Issues (May 8, 2009)
Oneida County Executive’s Press Conference Announcing Agreement (May 8, 2009)
Map of Trust Land recommended by U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (May 2008)