The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria is required to make $416,918 in annual casino mitigation payments to four cities in Sonoma County, California.

The payments are listed in the record of decision that was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Some local officials were surprised to learn about the money but said it was more than welcome.

“You’re basically talking about buying an officer, or the better part of an officer," Petaluma city manager John Brown told The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat of the $102,591 coming the city's way. "That’s great. If there aren’t strings attached, then I’d be happy to receive it.”

The payments are separate from the ones that the tribe will be making to Sonoma County. Negotiations are ongoing for that agreement.

Get the Story:
Local cities in line for mitigation money from Rohnert Park casino (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 9/28)
Tribe to pay for widening Wilfred Ave. (The Community Voice 9/28)

Related Stories:
Graton Rancheria gaming opponents to file federal lawsuit (09/14)