Cost of Graton Rancheria casino could top $1B

Monday, March 3, 2008  

The leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California says the tribe's proposed casino could cost more than $1 billion.

Chairman Greg Sarris said costs are rising in part due to the tribe's decision to build an environmentally-friendly facility. He also said the longer the tribe waits on federal approval for the casino, the higher the price tag.

"A year or two from now, if someone says the costs are running $1.5 billion, I won't be surprised," Sarris told The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

Station Casinos, the tribe's partner, originally said the casino would cost $600 million to $650 million. The National Indian Gaming Commission is still reviewing the management agreement for the project and the Bureau of Indian Affairs has yet to determine whether to take land into trust for the casino.

Get the Story:
Rohnert Park casino could cost $1 billion, tribe says (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 3/1)