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Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today called the State Racing and Wagering Board’s action to approve a license for Vernon Downs "a huge step forward for our region’s economy."

"Vernon Downs has a current economic impact of about $60 million annually, and is the lifeblood of area residents who work at the track or who rely upon track patrons to patronize shops and restaurants," Griffo said. "I had been in contact with the Racing and Wagering Board as well as senior state government officials to make our case and urge the Board to provide an opportunity to race this season. I hope this opportunity to race will be the catalyst to spur a long-term change for the better at Vernon Downs."

Griffo praised the team of local and state officials who worked with representatives of the track and Racing & Wagering Board to give Vernon a second chance after its license was denied last month.

"The Board wanted some changes from the track," Griffo said. "The track worked with the board. A team of us at the town,, county and state levels worked with both sides for the sake of the thousand of people for whom Vernon Downs is a major economic engine. Our state legislative delegation did a great job of helping one of western Oneida County’s major tourism attractions stay alive. That in turn ensures that employees and nearby businesses that rely upon Vernon Downs will not have their livelihoods put in jeopardy."

Griffo praised Gov. George Pataki for his support of Vernon Downs. "We made our case to the Governor’s office, and he responded to help the people of western Oneida County. This was a very long and difficult struggle, but in the end the Racing and Wagering Board has shown wisdom in its decision, and we thank them. Vernon Downs has the opportunity it deserves, and I hope that this season will show that the track makes the most of it."

"This short-term action is a positive step, but we need a long-term resolution to the issues facing the track so that we do not worry about the track’s license every spring," Griffo said. "County Government stands ready and willing to help the owners of the track in every way we can."