Viejas
Agree to Pay for Casino Impacts
As reported by the San Diego
Union Tribune: "The Viejas Indian band
is formally agreeing to pay the county more
than $1.2 million to address impacts of a planned
casino expansion on the tribe's East County
reservation.
"The
intergovernmental agreement, scheduled to be
voted on Wednesday by the Board of Supervisors,
will be the first reached in San Diego County
under new Indian gaming compacts negotiated
by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Viejas
is planning a two-story, 45,000-square-foot
casino expansion to add 250 slot machines, six
card tables and a bar. (The casino now has 2,250
slots.) The $18 million project is expected
to be completed next year.
"…Under
the agreement, Viejas will pay the county $1.2
million for road improvements. The tribe also
will explore options with Caltrans for getting
another Interstate 8 access ramp.
"Viejas
also is agreeing to:
"Compensate
the Sheriff's Department for one half of a full-time
deputy's salary, and continue funding the district
attorney's tribal liaison position.
"
Continue providing its own fire protection and
emergency medical services to the casino.
"
Work with the county to prepare a report assessing
compulsive gambling in the region, and provide
services to meet those needs…"
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