BUFFALO, N.Y. — Sources tell 2 On Your Side and has since been confirmed by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office and the Seneca Nation that an extension of the current compact agreement between the sides has been reached.
The current compact was set to expire on Dec. 9. The extended agreement will last until March 31, 2024.
"Today, I returned to Buffalo to meet with President Armstrong and memorialize an extension of the current gaming compact to ensure the State and Seneca Nation can continue working towards a long-term resolution," Governor Hochul said in a statement. "With the signing of this agreement, there is important momentum for negotiations around the compact. I remain committed to working with President Armstrong and the Seneca Nation in finalizing an agreement that is fair to all parties, and I look forward to more conversations in the coming weeks and months as we continue to meet."
The Seneca Nation and State announced an agreement in principle for a new compact in June, but the deal fell apart after the Rochester delegation of the New York State Assembly protested one of the items in the deal.
A new Seneca Nation casino in the Rochester area was part of a new compact agreement, but after Rochester lawmakers voiced opposition, the state and Seneca Nation went back to the negotiating table.
That Rochester casino is completely off the table now, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge.
Regarding the new extension, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong said "Under the extension, our three gaming properties will continue to operate without interruption, alleviating any concerns about potential impacts for our thousands of casino employees, which was a priority for the Nation."
In August, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was no longer recused from negotiating directly with the Seneca Nation, but it's unclear how frequently the governor met with Seneca Nation leadership.
Whenever a final compact agreement is reached, the Department of Interior will need to approve it. Additionally, members of the Seneca Nation will vote to approve it as well.