The leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California finally broke his silence about his tribe's plans for a casino.

Chairman Greg Sarris hasn't discussed the casino since the tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in late March and he hasn't made a public appearance in connection with the casino in at least three years, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported. He appeared at an informational hearing yesterday.

"We created something that will indeed benefit Indian and non-Indian alike,” Sarris told the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, the paper reported.

Station Casinos, the tribe's partner, said it would seek more than $700 million in bonds and other financing for the project, much higher than the casino's previously reported cost of $433 million. The tribe also doesn't plan to build a hotel in the first phase of development either.

The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee will discuss the compact at a hearing today at 1:30pm. Audio is available on the committee's site.

Get the Story:
Sarris touts Rohnert Park casino in Sacramento (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 5/2)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Fast-tracking casino compact leaves bad taste (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 5/1)

Related Stories:
Graton Rancheria gaming opponents lobby state lawmakers (5/1)