Seneca Nation's Economic Impact Nears $2 Billion in 2024

The Seneca Nation has emerged as a formidable economic force in Western New York, with a recent report indicating an annual impact approaching $2 billion in 2024.

 

According to an independent analysis by Meister Economic Consulting, the Nation's operations and enterprises generated $1.9 billion in total economic output last year.

 

This activity supported 8,014 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed $542.7 million in wages across the region.

 

Additionally, the Seneca Nation's activities resulted in $365.9 million in taxes and other payments to federal, state, and local governments.

 

Direct employment by the Nation includes 4,623 full-time and part-time workers, with approximately 3,000 positions tied to casino operations at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.

 

This employment level positions the Seneca Nation as the 12th largest employer in Western New York.

 

Beyond gaming and hospitality, the Seneca Nation's diverse portfolio encompasses 34 businesses across sectors such as retail, fuel operations, banking, information technology, telecommunications, healthcare, engineering, energy, federal contracting, and cultural preservation.

 

In a strategic expansion earlier this year, the Nation acquired the Rochester Knighthawks, a National Lacrosse League franchise, ensuring the team's continued presence in Rochester and adding professional sports to its business operations.

 

Revenue from these enterprises funds a wide array of government services for approximately 8,600 enrolled members, including education, healthcare, housing, public safety, transportation, vocational training, and cultural preservation.

 

Reflecting on the Nation's enduring commitment, President J. Conrad Seneca stated, "We are here and we are forever committed to this region."

 

He emphasized that the Seneca Nation's contributions have significantly propelled the Western New York economy forward, with ongoing investments enhancing both the community and the Nation's economic impact.

 

In a related development, the Seneca Nation received a $7.625 million federal grant through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.

 

Announced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, the grant will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art transit hub and bus storage facility on the reservation.

 

This initiative aims to improve transportation services for the nearly 8,000 citizens residing in the Seneca Nation, linking them to regional services and enhancing access to healthcare, employment, commerce, and recreation.

 

Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with the facility to be built along Route 20 in Irving, New York.

 

President Rickey Armstrong highlighted the importance of reliable transportation in bridging socio-economic gaps, particularly in rural communities.

 

He noted that the Seneca Transit System is vital for connecting community members to essential services and that the new transit hub will be a transformative addition to these efforts.

 

These developments underscore the Seneca Nation's unwavering dedication to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for both its members and the broader Western New York community.