Delayed casino is finally moving in right direction

The Quechan Tribe jumped another hurdle to building an elaborate new casino last week when the California legislature finally voted its approval for a gaming compact negotiated with the California governor last year.

Construction can begin once the U.S. Department of Interior blesses the agreement, which is considered routine. So it is a time of celebration for tribal officials who have had to overcome objections to its compact from some other California tribes.

The issue holding up the project was apparently some provisions of the new compact which certain tribes felt were disadvantageous and which they feared might later be applied to them. They convinced California lawmakers to reject the Quechan deal.

That was a raw deal for the local tribe. It is their right to agree to whatever terms they feel acceptable in their gaming compact without interference from other tribes.

The political maneuverings forced the local tribe to delay work on the new casino complex for 14 long months. In fact, it is likely a significant part of the project would have already been finished and providing economic benefits to the tribe and to the community had this not taken place.

Despite that unhappy experience, tribal officials are glad their ordeal is almost over. They say financing is lined up and work should begin by February. The goal is to have the casino itself done by about a year later.

This will be the most significant casino project yet developed in the Yuma area. It is actually a casino resort with an entertainment venue. The two-story casino will include 1,100 slot machines. In addition there will be a 200-room hotel, a large swimming pool and various restaurants. A key component of the resort will be a 2,500-seat events center. A later phase will include a water park, a long-sought facility in this area. There will also be a golf course and RV park.

The location of the project is significant. It will be constructed in a large area near the Algodones exit from Interstate 8, giving it much more visibility that the current casino has. That and the increased size and facilities are likely to draw more visitors from the busy interstate.

The future looks bright for both the Quechan Tribe and for our community, which should see significant economic benefits and improved leisure opportunities.