New York Sues Federal Government Over Seneca Nation Land Designations

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration has sued the federal government, challenging Interior Department approvals that gave Seneca Nation parcels in Buffalo and Grand Island restricted-fee status. The status could exempt the land from local zoning, building-code and property-tax rules, including at a contested Buffalo site where the Nation is developing a gas station and cannabis business. The state argues the parcels do not qualify under the Seneca Nation Settlement Act of 1990, saying the authorized land-acquisition funds were largely spent years ago and the Grand Island acreage was donated. The Seneca Nation says the lawsuits are another attack on its sovereignty and economic future, while Hochul’s office says it respects tribal sovereignty but believes the land designations were legally improper.