An aerial view of Elk Grove, California, shows the 36-acre site where the Wilton Rancheria plans to build a $400 million casino. The existing structures seen in the image are a part of an outlet mall where construction is expected to resume along with the casino. Image: Google Earth

California | Casino Stalker | Compacts

Wilton Rancheria inches closer to state approval of Class III gaming compact

Monday, August 28, 2017

The Wilton Rancheria is closer to seeing approval of its Class III gaming compact in California.

The State Senate approved Assembly Bill 1606, which ratifies the compact, by a 37-0 vote last week, The Elk Grove News reported. The bill now awaits action in the Assembly, where it will see an informational hearing before the Assembly's Governmental Organization Committee on Tuesday morning. [Audio Feed | Video Feed]

Ratification of the compact at the state level means it can be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for review. If the federal agency approves, the tribe will be able to offer Class III games like slot machines at its casino site in the city of Elk Grove.

On January 19, the last full day of the Obama administration, the BIA approved the land-into-trust application for the 36-acre site. The Trump administration has since confirmed that the land is in trust, although opponents are seeking to reverse the decision.

The tribe was restored to federal recognition in 2009 after being illegally terminated in the 1950s.

Read More on the Story:
As Gaming Compact For Elk Grove Casino Sails Through State Senate, SUFC Seeks to Slow Process Heading Into Assembly (The Elk Grove News August 25, 2017)
Calif. State Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Fast-Tracked Elk Grove Casino Indian Gaming Compact (The Elk Grove News August 22, 2017)

Federal Register Notices:
Final Environmental Impact Statement and a Revised Draft Conformity Determination for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 14, 2016)
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 29, 2015)
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 4, 2013)