OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY - INDIAN AFFAIRS

INTERIOR DEPARTMENT STATEMENT ON THE
CLASS III GAMING COMPACT BEWEEN
THE SENECA NATION OF INDIANS AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK

On September 10, 2002, the Department of the Interior received a Class III gaming compact executed by the Seneca Nation of Indians and the State of New York. Under the terms of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the Secretary may approve or disapprove the compact before the date that is 45 days after receipt of the compact. If the Secretary does not approve or disapprove the compact by that date, the compact is considered to have been approved, but only to the extent that its terms comply with the requirements of IGRA.

In accordance with Section 11(d)(8)(C) of IGRA, the Secretary will neither approve or disapprove the Class III gaming compact between the Seneca Nation of Indians and the State of New York. As a result, the compact will be considered to have been approved as of October 25, 2002, and will take effect after notice is published in the Federal Register.

The Secretary will communicate by letter to the Governor of the State of New York and the President of the Seneca Nation of Indians regarding this matter.

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