MONTICELLO — The casino monies will arrive even before the casino itself.

This week, the state announced it's preparing to distribute $30 million of $151 million in fees collected from the licensing of the new upstate casinos.

That includes $10.2 million headed to this region, thanks to Empire Resorts' payments to the state for the Montreign Casino being constructed near Monticello:

• Sullivan County - $2,550,000

• Town of Thompson - $2,550,000

• Orange County - $1,876,777

• Dutchess County - $1,497,583

• Ulster County - $918,687

• Columbia County - $317,631

• Greene County - $247,783

• Delaware County - $241,536

Since Montreign is coming to Monticello, Sullivan County and Thompson get the biggest slices of those fees. The remaining counties receive a percentage tied in part to their populations.

School districts statewide will also get a portion of the overall $151 million.

“[The] distribution of $30.2 million to local governments and school districts is proof positive that the nearly 40 years of work that went into getting gaming in New York were well worth it,” said Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther in a statement. “As we continue to rebuild our economy, this funding is welcome relief.”

So what will Sullivan and Thompson do with these monies?

“We had already planned to use that money for the [new jail] bonds,” said County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez.

But now that the county may land a low-interest loan that could avoid the need to bond altogether, the $2.55 million could go to some other purpose.

“We [all nine legislators] have just got to meet - all of us together - to figure out what we're going to do with that money,” Alvarez affirmed.

Thompson, too, is undecided on how to best employ those funds, though Supervisor Bill Rieber has several ideas.

“Items that are up for consideration could include tax reductions, updating or replacing buildings and equipment, highway improvements and beautification,” he stated.

“To improve our quality of life and health, we should expand our parks, recreation and youth programs,” Rieber added. “The town board will be seeking input from town residents on what they would like to see done with the funds. The board will take all suggestions into account and develop a plan for these funds and future casino revenues.

“These funds will provide a vital boost for Thompson.”

But he reminded that the money isn't here yet, and officials don't know if its use will be restricted in any way.

“We don't have a check,” Rieber remarked. “And I can't cash the announcement from the governor.”