Editorial: Graton Rancheria gaming deal is good for the county

Thursday, October 25, 2012  

"Sonoma County salvaged a bad hand with its casino mitigation pact.

The agreement, ratified Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors, guarantees payments of at least $9 million a year to address crime, traffic, fire protection and other costs associated with a tribal casino under construction on the west edge of Rohnert Park.

If casino revenue meets projections, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria would pay considerably more — up to $38 million a year — to the county and the cities of Santa Rosa, Cotati, Sebastopol and Petaluma. Those payments are in addition to $200 million owed to the city of Rohnert Park over 20 years under a separate covenant."

Get the Story:
Editorial: County played its best hand in casino deal (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 10/25)

County approves Graton Rancheria casino revenue agreement (10/24)