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Pataki submits legislation to settle Mohawk land claim

Friday, June 10, 2005 | 9:48 a.m.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Gov. George Pataki is submitting a bill to settle the Akwesasne Mohawks' 23-year-old land claim against the state by providing the tribe with more than $100 million and the right to nearly double the size of its reservation.

But a key Republican senator said the bill has a "slim" chance of passing because it doesn't include a so-called community protection fund that would address public safety, health care, transportation and other problems that could be caused by a casino the Mohawks want to build in the Catskills.

"I have had public hearings on the impacts just one casino would have, and I'm convinced we need a community fund," said Sen. John Bonacic, whose district includes Sullivan County where as many as five Indian casinos are being proposed.

The settlement, signed by Pataki and tribal leaders in February, requires the approval of the state Legislature and Congress.

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