Hudson Valley Counties Receive Funds From Resort License Fees

Twenty-two upstate New York counties will receive a total of $30.2 million in destination resort license fees paid by newly licensed destination resort casinos. Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties are among those counties receiving the funds.

"This funding will help counties and local governments provide essential services to their residents as well as work to reduce their tax burden," said Governor Andrew Cuomo. "These destination resorts will help drive more tourism and economic development dollars upstate and, with these payments, local governments are already seeing the benefits of these projects."

The county payouts are one portion of the $151 million in commercial casino license fees that are being distributed across upstate using the same formula for casino gaming revenue laid out in the Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act of 2013 -- 80 percent will be applied statewide for school aid/property tax relief; 10 percent will be split between host municipality and county; and 10 percent will go to counties in the regions established by the Act based on population.

“With these funds, Governor Cuomo has fulfilled an important commitment he made with the passage of the Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act,” said Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “Millions of dollars in casino license fees are a much-needed benefit to upstate communities, and we are grateful for the support."

The Catskills/Hudson Valley will receive $10.2 million – well before Montreign Resort Casino opens its doors in the spring of 2018. Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties will receive a percentage of the funds that is based on their population.

Dutchess County will receive $1,497,583. Orange County will receive $1,876,777. Ulster County will receive $918,687.

The remaining $40.8 million is being distributed to public schools statewide as part of the state’s education formula.