Amid ongoing challenges with the state’s gaming compact, Niagara County’s Republican legislators are actively campaigning to renew a crucial revenue-sharing agreement to support local institutions with casino-generated funds. State Sen. Minority Leader Rob Ortt and state Assemblyman Angelo Morinello emphasized the necessity of this during a press event at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Urgent call for legislative renewal:

The legislators are striving to revive the 99-H agreement, which facilitated the allocation of casino funds to essential local entities like the city’s hospital, school district, and other community organizations. This agreement expired at the end of 2023 alongside the state’s compact with the Seneca Nation of Indians, leaving these entities without expected financial support.

Ortt and Morinello are calling for legislative action to update and pass a new version of the agreement to ensure these funds continue to bolster community projects and employment in the region. “If it wasn’t for this press conference, the work would continue albeit at a reduced capacity,” Ortt remarked, highlighting the ongoing benefits of the agreement to the local community.

The previous compact required the Seneca Nation to contribute 25% of slot machine revenues from its casinos to the state, which then shared a portion with host municipalities like Niagara Falls. The legislators noted current negotiations have been slow, with no imminent resolution in sight, yet they remain hopeful that continued pressure will lead to a favorable outcome.

The proposed amendment to the 99-H legislation suggests Niagara Falls retain 80% of its annual casino revenue share, directing these funds towards local economic development, public health, safety, and infrastructure improvements. “I think it is important that we make sure this is top of mind and that we get something done,” Ortt said during discussions with Governor Kathy Hochul and other leaders.

Distribution of funds under proposed legislation:

The remaining 20% would be distributed among the local entities, ensuring they receive a consistent and reliable source of funding.

Niagara Falls Hospital and School district would each receive up to $750,000 or 5.5% of the city’s annual casino revenue share. Destination Niagara, the county’s lead tourism agency, would receive up to $1 million or 7%. The Underground Railroad Heritage Commission would receive 1%, with a minimum of $200,000. Both the Falls Housing Authority and Mount St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health Center would be allocated $50,000 each.

According to Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, Joe Ruffolo, CEO of the Memorial Medical Center, expressed how vital these funds are, especially as the center embarks on a $58 million capital improvement plan that includes several significant health projects. “The renewal of 99-H and the continued funding for the hospital is extremely important if we are able to hit all of those projects on the timeline we have set forward,” Ruffolo emphasized.

As discussions continue, the urgency to formalize a new agreement is palpable. Ortt has secured the bill’s passage through the state senate, and it now awaits consideration in the assembly. Despite not requiring bipartisan co-sponsorship as a local bill, its success hinges on Democratic support in a majority-Democratic assembly.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s endorsement and continued financial advances to Niagara Falls, including a $7.6 million allocation last year, underscore the interim measures to support the city. However, Mayor Robert Restaino has expressed reservations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential impacts on the city’s budget and essential services like police and fire protection.