VERONA, NY – The Oneida Indian Nation hosted the Oneida County State of the County Address at Turning Stone Resort Casino. The State of the County Address continues the long-time partnership between the Oneida Indian Nation and Oneida County and follows the Nation’s announcement of the evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino. The largest expansion of the resort in two decades, this $370 million reinvestment will double its existing conference and convention space, add a 1,500-space parking garage and include a new hotel, restaurant, beautiful outdoor event spaces and other amenities.
In addition to the Oneida Indian Nation’s $370 million investment in the Turning Stone evolution, the expansion project will generate a total economic impact exceeding $600 million, including more than $20 million in state and local tax revenues. It will also support the creation of 3,600 total construction and related jobs throughout the region.
During the event, County Executive Picente and Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter also highlighted the impact of the 2013 agreement between the Oneida Indian Nation, New York State and Oneida and Madison Counties. Since its adoption, this historic agreement has generated more than $700 million in Silver Covenant payments that support a diverse range of public programs, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, public safety and more, in 10 Upstate New York counties. County Executive Picente also noted that these payments have helped prevent property tax increases in Oneida County for 11 years.
“Turning Stone is undergoing an evolution, a transformational opportunity for this entire region with $600 million ultimately in the impact in private investment,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Our historic agreement paved the way for this unprecedented venture: hotels, restaurants, convention space, healthcare facilities, and so much more. Our tradespeople are going to build it, our residents will work here, and visitors from all over the world will come here. The positive long-term impact is immeasurable and the Nation and Turning Stone Enterprises continue to be the very best at what they do.”
“A spirit of partnership has come to define Oneida County and this region,” said Halbritter. “Tribal nations and local and county governments come together with business leaders, economic development organizations, community groups and other stakeholders to make incredible things happen here. Partnership has created a level of success we could not have imagined just a few decades ago when economic hardships and the loss of major employers left us to reimagine a better future together.”
