Elk Grove Citizen

By Lance Armstrong - Citizen Staff Writer

The Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce board on Oct. 27 voted to support the Wilton Rancheria Indian tribe’s proposed, $400 million casino and resort project on a 35.9-acre site near Highway 99 and Kammerer Road.

If built, the project would feature a gaming floor with 2,000 slot machines, 84 gaming tables, a 12-story, 302-room hotel, a fitness area and spa, an outdoor pool, a 30,000-square-foot convention space/banquet area and fine dining restaurants.

Angela Perry, president and CEO of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce, stated that the proposed casino and resort project would bring significant synergy to the mall, and would assist its developer in accelerating the development and opening of that project.

Perry added that the facility, which would be located adjacent to the future Outlet Collection at Elk Grove mall, would become one of the region’s largest event centers, and serve as a major employer.

“This project, along with the outlet mall, promises to bring people from all over the region,” she said. “With its retail, lodging and entertainment venues, it will bring shoppers, special events and much needed jobs to Elk Grove.”

In addition to the 1,750 full-time jobs that would be created with the casino project, as many as 1,600 temporary, construction jobs are projected for the facility.

Tribal Chair Raymond Hitchcock expressed the tribe’s appreciation for the support of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce and other organizations and individuals.

“We are gratified to have the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce join the Elk Grove Police Officers Association, area pastors and many others in support of the project. This is truly a community-wide endeavor that will bring new customers to local businesses, create jobs and boost the economy, as well as benefit schools, public safety, charitable organizations, and help our tribe become self-sufficient.”

The Elk Grove City Council this September approved an agreement with Wilton Rancheria that is designed to mitigate the casino-resort’s potential impacts on local traffic and crime.

If the casino is federally approved and built, the tribe would pay nearly $132 million in recurring and nonrecurring payments to the city and community of Elk Grove during the first 20 years of the agreement.

The deal includes a $56 million contribution to the General Fund, $36 million to support the Elk Grove police, $14.5 million for development and infrastructure fees and community facilities, $12 million for roadway maintenance and improvements, and $10 million for the Elk Grove Unified School District.

Although the facility would not be subject to any form of local taxation, the tribe would make general mitigation payments on an annual basis.
http://www.egcitizen.com/news/eg-chamber-board-votes-in-support-of-proposed-casino-project/article_54f5821c-a084-11e6-81be-dbd91e8291ef.html