The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the gaming and hotel expansion of Akwesasne Mohawk Casino on November 2. With over 50 local dignitaries and community contributors in attendance, it was announced the $74 million project will create 350 construction jobs over the next 20 months.
Some of the major changes to the casino include a 150-room hotel, a new vestibule, an expansion to the casino floor, a spa and pool facilities and a fitness area. However, the big announcement was the relocation of the current Mohawk Bingo Palace and Class II gaming facilities to a renovated sprung structure at the casino.
“We’ll soon have both gaming facilities (the casino and bingo palace) under the same roof,” announced St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Ron Lafrance Jr.
The Tribe is working towards self-sufficiency and believe its gaming facilities greatly benefit the community of Akwesasne. Since 2003, Akwesasne Mohawk Gaming enterprises have generated over $79 million to the St. Regis Tribe. This revenue has been the primary source for the Tribal General Fund.
The revenues from gaming properties help support local programs and services, including elder care, health, education, law enforcement and more. St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Mark Garrow said “this is a shining example of our staff and the community coming together” to make the expansion project possible.
Other changes coming to the casino are renovations to the cage, parking, the Native Harvest Restaurant, additional seating at Sticks Sports Bar, a centralized bar and lounge, RV parking facilities, meeting and conference rooms and a new maintenance facility.
