The Chumash Casino Resort. Photo from Facebook
California Attorney General Kamala Harris is asking the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to conduct a more thorough environmental review of its casino expansion project. The tribe plans to spend $160 million to add a 12-story hotel with 215 rooms to the Chumash Casino Resort. The proposal has generated significant local concern and now the state is wading into the matter. "This Attorney General's letter, which is specifically stated in the letter -- at the behest of the Governor -- is an extraordinary letter," a local opponent told the Santa Barbara County board of supervisors last night, KEYT-TV reported.
The color-shaded areas show the additional parking, hotel and casino spaces that are included in the $160 million expansion of the Chumash Casino Resort. Image from www.chumashee.com
The county's fire, planning, public works and sheriff's departments have already written letters to the tribe about the project. They say the environmental evaluation is insufficient to address traffic, water and other impacts. Get the Story:
SB Sups Review Chumash Casino Expansion (KEYT 8/27)
County supervisors grapple with Chumash hotel, casino expansion (The Santa Maria Times 8/27)
County Supervisors Scrutinize Tribe’s Chumash Casino Expansion Plans (Noozhawk 8/26) Related Stories:
Chumash Tribe to respond to concerns about casino expansion (8/21)
Join the Conversation
