County still worried about potential Dry Creek Rancheria casino

Thursday, April 3, 2014  

Officials in Sonoma County, California, still think the Dry Creek Rancheria wants to open a new casino.

The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application for a 277-acre site. Chairman Harvey Hopkins said the land won't be used for gaming but county officials say they haven't gotten any information out of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“The BIA isn’t recognizing the importance of local governments being in the loop,” Supervisor David Rabbitt told The Petaluma Argus-Courier.

The tribe previously pursued a casino at the site but dropped plans amid local opposition. County officials say competition from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria could prompt the Dry Creek Rancheria to reconsider.

River Rock Casino has fallen at least 30 percent since the nearby Graton Resort and Casino opened last November.

Get the Story:
Officials question tribe's intentions with land (The Petaluma Argus-Courier 4/3)

Dennis Whittlesey: Dry Creek Rancheria takes hit from rival casino (4/1)