"The proposed North Fork destination hotel and casino resort will immediately jump start our region's faltering economy by providing nearly $2.5 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years - if it's given a chance.

At a time when our national economy is shedding more than 500,000 jobs a month, some officials have called our privately funded project a "once in a generation" economic development opportunity capable of generating more than 4,000 local jobs.

Union leaders, contractors, engineering and construction firms have endorsed our project, based on the planned $250 million in construction outlays and 750 jobs that will help resuscitate the collapsed local building industry.

Every jurisdiction and business chamber in Madera, as well as many surrounding ones, have embraced the $100 million a year in economic benefits our project will generate to help combat decades of unrelenting Central Valley poverty and despair.

Companies throughout the Valley have become excited by the prospect of competing for $45 million to $50 million in annual vendor purchases belonging to the project.

Nonprofit organizations have joined nearly 5,000 citizens in applauding our tribe's legally binding commitments to deliver $5 million a year in public safety, education, economic development, youth and recreation, infrastructure and other community project funding."

Get the Story:
ELAINE BETHEL-FINK: Casino an economic boon (The Fresno Bee 12/15)