Final casino EIR released

<p>The final environmental impact report has been released for the tribal casino proposed for Rohnert Park, one of several regulatory steps before the casino can proceed.</p><p>The Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria are proposing a casino with 2,000 slot machines and a 300-room hotel resort, which at last estimate by tribe officials would cost about $1 billion.</p><p>The tribe is being financed by Station Casinos, a Las Vegas owner of other gaming venues that is currently considering filing for bankruptcy to restructure its debt.</p><p>The 177-page document is little changed from the draft released two years ago that estimated the project would generate $530 million in annual revenue and employ 2,400 workers.</p><p>Opponents, however, said they are already planning a federal court challenge of the adequacy of the report, which was prepared by the National Indian Gaming Commission.</p><p>Opponents also have sued the U.S. Department of the Interior, claiming it could not take into trust the Rohnert Park property for the tribe until California negotiates a compact with the tribe.</p><p>The report is available at www.gratoneis.com.</p><p>-- Bob Norberg</p>