Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Destination Niagara USA
On Friday, New York State Sen. Rob Ortt, standing with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, and representatives from Niagara Falls entities impacted by casino compact revenue funding, called on state lawmakers to advance Senate Bill 3618 that would guarantee essential funding to these stakeholders.
Organizations including Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Destination Niagara USA, the Niagara Falls City School District, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Mount St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health, and the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad called for the passage of legislation relating to casino profit sharing.This legislation would amend sections of 99-H state finance law and see that 80% of the total annual amount of casino revenue received will be designated for the City of Niagara Falls to accommodate and enhance economic development, neighborhood revitalization, public health and safety, and infrastructure improvement in the city.
The remaining 20% would be allocated as follows:
√ 5.5%, not to exceed $750,000, to the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
√ 5.5%, not to exceed $750,000, to the Niagara Falls City School District
√ 7%, not to exceed $1 million, to Destination Niagara USA
√ 1% or $200,000, whichever is greater, to the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission’s mission to operate the underground railroad museum 1% or $200,000, whichever is greater, to the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission’s mission to operate the underground railroad museum
√ $50,000 to the Mount St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health Center
√ $50,000 to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority,
The remainder of the money goes to the City of Niagara Falls for infrastructure and road improvement projects.
“This legislation ensures dependable and reliable profit sharing for these entities that have been able to positively impact our community with the help of these vital dollars,” Ortt said. “Senate Bill 3618 sees that local stakeholders receive necessary funding from the City of Niagara Falls as a result of revenues generated by a new agreement with the state and the casino. Recently, some of our elected leaders have voiced that they feel these entities should have to negotiate for this funding year after year; however, I have seen the good work these entities do and feel they should be able to rely on these monies being available to them on a consistent basis. I urge my colleagues in the State Legislature to pass this important bill that aids our city’s schools, our local hospital and housing systems, and important tourism organizations.”
Morinello said, “The previous compact between the Seneca Nation and New York state provided important funding for our local schools, hospital, and tourism agency. This new legislation will ensure that these local entities continue to receive the necessary funding that they rightly deserve. The allocated revenue dispersed to these agencies will help students, hospital workers, and local tourism, which in return will get filtered back into our community.”
Niagara Falls City School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie said, “We appreciate the advocacy of Sen. Ortt on this very critical funding source to the 7,000 students of Niagara Falls. Our 99-H funding has been leveraged over the years by the Niagara Falls Board of Education to build an athletic complex for students and the community that is first class all the way. The district has been and will continue to be great stewards of the money to better the opportunities for young people in Niagara Falls.”
Joseph Ruffolo, president and CEO of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, said, “As an organization that has long benefited from the crucial support provided by casino compact funding, Memorial proudly joins our community partners in advocating for the continuation of this vital revenue stream. Health care, education and tourism are the three pillars of strength that drive enormous economic impact in our Greater Niagara region, creating thousands of jobs and significantly enhancing the quality of life for our residents and their children. We are grateful for the leadership of Sen. Ortt, Assemblyman Morinello, and all those fighting for this critical support to remain in place.”
John Percy, CEO of Destination Niagara, said, “The tourism industry is a critical driver of the economy in Niagara Falls, and casino revenue has played a vital role in supporting our efforts to attract visitors, enhance the destination, and sustain local jobs. Since the expiration of 99-H at the end of 2023, Destination Niagara USA has faced a 20% budget decrease, impacting our ability to market and promote the region. Without a solution, we risk significant cuts in 2026 and beyond. An extension of 99-H would help bridge this gap, ensuring continued investment in our tourism economy. We strongly support this legislation and remain hopeful for a renewed compact that fosters a mutually beneficial partnership with the Seneca Nation while securing vital funding for our community.”
Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Dr. Tomorrow Allen-Collins said, “The Niagara Falls Housing Authority relies on 99-H funding to sustain vital services for our community. Without these funds, our capacity to provide essential programs and services will be strained. We remain committed to advocating for solutions that uphold the well-being of our residents.”
Senate Bill 3618, which relates to monies appropriated and received each year by the state as a portion of the negotiated percentage of the net drop from electronic gaming devices the state receives, remains in committee.
