Elk Grove, CA—Aug. 30—United Pastors of Sacramento, the region’s largest association of multi-denominational, multi-ethnic pastors, has announced its “strong support” for Wilton Rancheria’s planned resort and casino project in Elk Grove.

In a letter to Tribal Chairman Raymond C. Hitchcock, United Pastors Chairman & President Dr. Anthony Wallace said:

“We are an organization of 90 local pastors committed to enhancing our communities and empowering people to support their families. The Wilton Rancheria casino and resort will greatly benefit the community by bringing new jobs that our parishioners desperately need, and by creating other benefits for the Elk Grove area. We also fully recognize and appreciate the benefits the project will have for the long-term health and welfare of your tribe.”

“We stand ready to provide any assistance required and wish you the best of luck.”

Tribal Chairman Hitchcock said, “United Pastors of Sacramento is a vital part of the greater community and we are extremely gratified to have its strong support. We are committed to working with them to build a project that will create the greatest possible benefits for the economy, the community and our Tribe.”

Wilton Rancheria has filed an application to have a 36-acre parcel along Highway 99 in Elk Grove taken into trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe. The Howard Hughes Corporation, which owns the property along Highway 99, has entered into an option agreement for the sale of land to Wilton Rancheria. Hughes plans to build The Outlet Collection at Elk Grove on the remaining portion of the parcel.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in order for the land to be held in trust for the Tribe by the federal government. After the Tribe is able to obtain land held in trust, a compact between the sovereign government of Wilton Rancheria and the State of California would be required before any gaming operations could commence.

About Wilton Rancheria

The more than 700 members of Wilton Rancheria are descendants of the Plains and Sierra Miwok, who lived and prospered in the Sacramento Valley. Tribal status was terminated in 1959 by the federal government and, after years of struggle, restored in June 2009. Wilton Rancheria is the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County. In November 2011, the Tribe adopted its modern Constitution, and since that time, tribal leadership has worked to improve the lives of its members and positively serve the community from its offices in Elk Grove.

Contacts:

Raymond C. Hitchcock
916.683.6000
rhitchcock@wiltonrancheria-nsn.gov

Robert Magnuson
(o) 916.551.2525
(c) 949.290.9382
rmagnuson@wiltonrancheria-nsn.gov