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NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) - A new dispute could be brewing between the Seneca Nation and the Cuomo administration over a possible convenience store and gas station at the tribe's Niagara Falls casino.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's director of state operations sent a letter to Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter saying a request for proposals for the new business is worrying local business people and community leaders. The Senecas currently sell tax-free cigarettes and gasoline on their reservation.
The Cuomo administration told the Senecas they were limited in the sorts of businesses they could locate at the casino, but Porter says the state's claim is absurd.
Relations between the state and the Senecas have already been strained lately. The tribe has held back casino payments to the state, claiming its gambling territory rights have been violated.