Tribe plans referendum on casino expansion

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe announced Wednesday that a community referendum will be held on the proposed expansion at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. The $75 million project includes plans to construct a 7-story hotel as well as relocate the Mohawk Bingo Palace to the casino.

At community meetings, tribal members requested ssthat a referendum vote be held asking the tribal membership if they approve of the expansion, as the SMRT will be incur a significant debt. Tribal Council was criticized in the past for making large purchases without consulting with the community or receiving directive from the tribal membership.

The referendum will be held on April 30, 2011 and asks the following: “Do you support the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Expansion at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino?” Tribal Council will direct the casino to move forward with the expansion if the majority of voters vote “Yes.” The first construction phase could begin as soon as May 2010. If the outcome of the vote is “No” Tribal Council will not undertake the project.

The SRMT said in their announcement, “The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council accepts and supports the finding of staff, professionals and the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino LLC and Mohawk Bingo Palace LLC Boards that, in order to maximize the profitability of the Tribe’s gaming enterprises, it is necessary to both expand the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino to include a hotel and to relocate the Mohawk Bingo Palace to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council believes this expansion is necessary and is in the best interest of the Tribal membership.”

The referendum will take place April 30, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Lobby.