Empire and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe to Explore LEED Certification

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. October 14, 2008

APRIL 16, 2007. Empire Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: NYNY) and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe today announced that they are exploring ways of making the proposed St. Regis Mohawk Casino at Monticello Raceway in Sullivan County the first such facility in the Northeast to be approved by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) organization. Empire Resorts is the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's development and management partner in the $600 million project.

Steven Winter Associates will be directing the LEED certification process. LEED was created to define "green buildings" by establishing a common standard of measurement; promote integrated whole-building practices; and recognize environmental leadership in the building industry. Steven Winter Associates is a pioneer in the use of the LEED rating system, and has LEED-certified a growing number of buildings, including the first LEED-certified building in New York State.

"Empire Resorts looks forward to working with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in exploring the possibility of building the Northeast's first green casino," said David Hanlon, CEO of Empire Resorts. "This is an exciting, innovative and challenging project, and we take great pride in being part of it." The company is currently examining all facets needed to achieve "green" status for the casino.

"The environment has always been our foremost concern in planning for the casino," said Mohawk Tribal Chief Lorraine White. "We are proud to be one of the first casinos in the nation to consider the implementation of advanced environmentally-friendly systems."

"The Sullivan County Legislature has made a priority of enticing green industries to Sullivan County and believes strongly that green technology should be utilized in new economic development projects," said Sullivan County Legislature Chair Chris Cunningham. "The Legislature supports the St. Regis Mohawk casino project, and believes the Tribe's decision to examine LEED certification demonstrates the Tribe's commitment to protecting our environment while moving forward with this project."

"The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has one of the best environmental programs in Indian country. It was built on a philosophy of respecting, protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations," added Tribal Chief James W. Ransom. "We want to bring this same approach to the building of this casino and hope it results in a facility that will be in keeping with the strong environmental character of the Catskills."

The casino plan was analyzed through a dual environmental review process which included both an Environmental Assessment following the National Environmental Protection Act standards and an Environmental Impact Statement under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The sustainability initiative is derived from the Tribe's commitment to protect, replenish and nurture the environment.

"The environmental aspects we are implementing could represent a milestone in casino development," said Tribal Chief Barbara Lazore. "We hope our casino will set a new standard for the development of entertainment facilities in the years ahead."