Tribe spends 'outrageous' amount for casino land

Friday, September 16, 2005

A landless California tribe paid an "outrageous" amount for 270 acres that will be used for a casino, the tribe's chairman said.

The Coast Miwok Tribe, also known as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, bought the land in the Bay Area for $100 million. The money was fronted by Station Casinos, the tribe's gaming partner.

"We were willing to pay the outrageous price because we feel we have no alternative, given this is the best option we have in Sonoma County," Chairman Greg Sarris told The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat. He said the sellers jacked up the price once they knew the tribe was the buyer.

The purchase price is considered the largest ever in Sonoma County for undeveloped property, the paper said.

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$100 million paid for RP casino site (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 9/15)