Nya:wëh sgë:nö’,
As we come to the close of another Fiscal year, I’d like to highlight some of the ongoing accomplishments of the current administration. Although the Covid 19 pandemic occurred a few years back we continue to recover financially from this worldwide catastrophe. The Nation had difficult decisions to make regarding our workforce, enterprises and benefits. We endured and have restored our reserves.
During the pandemic, it was evident that the Nation lacked WiFi access as students struggled to get online for hybrid learning. We successfully implemented the Broadband infrastructure throughout the Territory allowing everyone access. Seneca Energy also initiated the generator and solar panel project giving community members the opportunity to purchase these items for their homes.
The waterline project is also underway along major roads within Cattaraugus Territory. The original waterline was installed in the 1990’s and has experienced multiple leaks in recent years. At the end of the 5 phased projects all residents will be connected including Gordan Garrow families.
Major projects including the Cattaraugus Health Center, which will have state of the art technology and individual patient rooms in all areas and a new bus garage for Lake Shore Transportation are much needed.
Our housing needs are also substantial with limited access to land and equity, the Nation was able to created a few initiatives over the last few administrations. New mulit-family units were built in the vacant areas on Bush road. These plots were previously cleared and ready for development. Other projects will be coming within the next year on both Territories.
Mortgage program applicants and existing home owners were given the opportunity for extremely low interest rates as low as .5%. This potentially could decrease the amount of years to pay on the loans. What a great opportunity for our community members.
Economically the Nation is in very good standing with multiple projects developed over the last few years. In order for the Nation to pursue these projects we’ve had to clear our outstanding debt. We have paid down the debt of approximately $125 million, giving us the ability to move forward in creating new economic opportunities. Nativa in Niagara Falls, another Buffalo One Stop and the potential of a Class II gaming facility on Rt 5 and 20.
Increasing our revenue allows us to improve our programs such as culture and language, building community playgrounds and protecting our work force with public safety initiatives. Its great to see how working together with Council, executives, committees and the community brings about change and progress.
As always, stay safe and stay strong.
Dah ne’hoh dih ae’,
~Matthew B. Pagels
