New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio today announced that he has successfully fought to restore the State’s VLT Impact Aid program, which provides over $1.5 million to assist the town of Farmington and Ontario County with the costs of maintaining Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack.
“The Finger Lakes Racetrack plays a critically important role in our area's economy. Hundreds of local residents are employed there and the facility generates millions of dollars in revenue every year to support our property taxpayers,” said Senator Nozzolio. “With this ongoing success, there are additional challenges for our local communities. Restoring this important state aid will allow the Town of Farmington and Ontario County to continue meeting those challenges.”
The VLT Impact Aid program assists communities that have a racino or VLT facility in addressing important local issues such as traffic congestion, infrastructure improvements and area beautification.
Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget Proposal released in January eliminated all VLT Aid in the State except for Yonkers, where the Empire City Casino is located. Senator Nozzolio led the efforts to correct this inequity and bring together members of the State Senate and Assembly to restore support for the program in the final budget agreement. Today, it was announced that the final joint budget legislation that will be voted on later this month includes over $1 million in VLT aid for Farmington and $380,000 for Ontario County.
Senator Nozzolio, a member of the Senate Task Force on the Revitalization of the Racing Industry in New York, has been an outspoken advocate for measures to support New York’s racing industry, encourage job creation and retention, and ensure long-term stability at our racing facilities.
“While it is critically important to reduce State spending, we must continue to support programs that drive economic growth and encourage tourism and in our communities,” said Senator Nozzolio. “The Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack has created new jobs and attracted thousands of new visitors to our region. Now we must ensure that the Town of Farmington and Ontario County are able to encourage these visitors to come back again and again. With this important State aid, it is my belief that local officials will have the tools to meet those challenges and put the Town of Farmington’s best foot forward.”
