KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News-Lawmakers ratify compact for Ukiah-area casino
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Associated Press - January 26, 2010 5:44 PM ET
UKIAH, Calif. (AP) - A tribe has cleared another major hurdle to opening a casino in Mendocino County.
State lawmakers on Monday ratified the Pinoleville Pomo Nation's gaming compact with the governor for the $50 million, 90,000-square-foot project. The tribe wants to build it off U.S. 101 north of Ukiah.
The compact allows the tribe to operate a casino with up to 900 slot machines through 2030. In exchange, it will give the state 15 percent of its earnings.
Democratic Assemblyman Joe Coto of San Jose says the casino project will help address the 240-member tribe's high unemployment rate, poor housing conditions and poverty.
Officials say the tribe still must clear an environmental impact assessment reach a deal with county officials before building can begin.
Information from: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, http://www.pressdemocrat.com
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