Zoom hearing to decide fate of $600million California tribal casino

Article by : Charles Perrin Sep 27, 2023

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A proposed tribal casino project in California could have its fate determined by the outcome of a Zoom hearing, according to reports.

The Koi Nation tribe, which gained federal recognition in 2019, has proposed building a tribal casino in Northern California to the tune of $ 600 million.

Yes, the main objective of Koi Nation is to create a casino adjacent to East Shiloh Road just outside Windsor, California.

The site would span approximately 114,000 square feet and contain 2,750 slot machines, 105 table games, six restaurants, and an in-house sportsbook.

But a public hearing scheduled for this week by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will share its comprehensive findings in a 211-page document on Zoom.

Along with instructions for participating in the hearing, which can be accessed via the official Shiloh Resort website, those attending the hearing can access a hard copy of the environmental study at the Windsor Regional Library, 9291 Old Redwood Highway.

The Zoom hearing is designed to allow the public to express their opinion on the project. However, the Koi Nation believes it has permission to build on the 68-acre plot north of San Francisco and Santa Rosa, which it has historical ties to. Not only that, but it was land they supposedly acquired in September 2021.

Sonoma County residents can post comments, too, although the approval for a casino is far from a done deal.

An application to the US Department of the Interior was submitted in March 2022 by the Koi Nation to establish it as a sovereign tribal property. Still, as of yet, the application is pending further review.

The BIA will need reassurances that the tribal casino won’t contravene any environmental regulations, and the final decision will rest with the Secretary of the Interior.

To date, there have been several tribes that have expressed reservations over the Koi Nation’s project. This includes the Dry Creek Rancheria, which operates River Rock Casino near Geyserville, and the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, who have also submitted letters voicing their concerns over the Koi project.

Supposedly, the casino has faced stiff opposition from Shiloh residents, so seeing how this saga unfolds will be fascinating.