A new casino whose revenues would be shared among multiple tribes is under development in Oregon.
The
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians announced the
unique project on Tuesday. Plans call for 50 percent of net revenues to be distributed with participating tribes and another 25 percent to go to the state and local governments.
“We know that when tribes come together with a shared mission, we achieve more for our community,” said Chairwoman Delores Pigsley. “As tribal leaders we have a unique opportunity to make an unprecedented impact on Oregon’s economy and the lives of our tribal members.”
According to the tribe, the 140,000 square-foot facility will generate $185.4 million in gross revenue and 1,500 full-time jobs the first year of operation. The economic impacts are seen as a way for Oregon to keep some of its gaming dollars from
going to neighboring Washington.
“As a tribal community, we have a responsibility to preserve and grow jobs and revenue in Oregon,” Pigsley said. “These funds directly support family wage jobs and healthcare, education, environmental, housing and transportation programs throughout the state.”
The location of the proposed Salem Intertribal Project is seen from Interstate 5. The site at the intersection of Astoria Way NE and Astoria St NE in Salem, Oregon, is accessed from Exit 258 of I-5. Image: Google Maps
The tribe will be building the casino, along with a hotel, on a parcel of trust land just north of Salem. The site, which is near the
Chemawa Indian School, is right off a major interstate.
It's also only about 44 miles south of Portland, Oregon's most populous city. That would put the casino in a much more competitive spot than any other tribal facility in the state.
And it would help Oregon respond to a new development across the border. The
Cowlitz Tribe just opened the
ilani Casino Resort last week, at a site in Washington about 24 miles north of Portland.
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are reaching out to fellow nations in Oregon to bring them on board for the
Salem Intertribal Project. The casino could open as soon as 2021.
The tribe operates the
Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, about 88 miles from Portland.
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