LAKEPORT — Representatives of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake are set to present an update on the tribe”s proposed casino at next week”s Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting.
The tribe got authorization from the U.S. Department of the Interior in August, allowing the Running Creek Casino project to proceed.
After taking time to rework its financial agreements, the tribe is ready to start progressing with work on the site ? located along Highway 20 in Upper Lake ? this month.
“We”re very pleased to be moving forward with our construction plans,” tribal chairperson Sherry Treppa said. “Our goal is to make Running Creek Casino the most exciting gaming facility in the county, and the No. 1 choice for visitors to the region.”
The $29.8 million project would result in a “sprung structure” casino housing 349 slot machines, six table games, meeting rooms, eateries, a gift shop and a player”s club.
“It is also our hope that this project will allow us to work towards economic self-sufficiency for our tribe, and that we can contribute to the economic success of Lake County and area tourism,” Treppa said.
The casino is on track for a late-spring or early-summer opening, according to the tribe. Once operational, the facility is expected to use at least 145 employees.
“The tribe is excited about creating new jobs here in our community and bringing more money to area businesses both during the construction phase and after through partnerships with local hotels and vendors,” Treppa said.
Tribal members are scheduled to discuss the project during the BOS public meeting on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Lake County Courthouse.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
