UPPER LAKE — With administrative approvals and financial agreements in place, the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake plans to begin construction on its proposed Running Creek Casino in early December.
“It”s been a journey that”s been fought with obstacles that the tribe has finally been able to overcome,” tribal council chairperson Sherry Treppa said.
The tribe spent almost 10 months negotiating a tribal-state gaming compact more than two years ago before reaching a deal that was ratified by the state late in 2009. However, the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) disapproved that agreement in August 2010.
The tribe then set out to rework its plan and negotiated a new compact, which Governor Jerry Brown signed earlier this year.
The state legislatures ratified the compact this spring, and the DOI sent a letter indicating the agreement was deemed approved in August.
The tribe immediately moved to reviewing project costs with its general contractor and revising the loan agreement with its lender, Treppa said.
The casino”s total costs are estimated at $29.8 million, with about $18.7 million going toward construction, according to Treppa, who said the tribe hopes the Arizona-based general contractor will use as many local subcontractors as feasible.
“We are trying to keep as much business in the county as possible,” she said.
The tribe”s plan is to build a 33,000-square-foot “sprung structure” to house 349 slot machines, six table games, three meeting rooms, a sit-down restaurant, a fast-food court and a cocktail lounge.
The casino and parking lots would sit on an 11.24-acre trust parcel on Highway 20 in Upper Lake.
Running Creek Casino would help the tribe realize its goal of “economic self-reliance” while also putting many tribal members and local residents to work, according to Treppa.
Once opened, the facility is expected to use at least 145 employees. Treppa said construction is set to begin in the next couple of weeks, and the goal is to open Running Creek Casino in late May.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
