The previous agreement outlined 'community benefit' payments of up to $25 million via the Graton Mitigation Fund. These payments will begin at $3 million annually and increase incrementally to $7 million as the project progresses through different phases.

Sita Kuteira, deputy Sonoma County counsel, explained that the updated agreement is simpler compared to its 2019 predecessor.Īdditionally, the tribe has committed to making annual 'community benefit' payments for Sonoma County Regional Parks, Tolay Lake Regional Park, and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. The funds will be allocated to cover various areas, including the casino's impact on public safety, health, and human services, traffic, affordable housing, greenhouse gas emissions, fire services, tourism, transportation, and groundwater. These payments are intended to meet the state requirement for Graton Rancheria to pay 2% of net winnings to the county. Under the revised agreement, the tribe will increase its annual payments to the county from $9 million to about $14.5 million, with adjustments based on the consumer price index.

The project involves doubling the size of the existing gaming floor by adding up to 3,000 slot machines, constructing over 200 hotel rooms, and introducing a large performance theater and rooftop restaurant. The expansion plans for the Graton Resort and Casino are substantial and groundbreaking work is scheduled to commence later this month. The tribe's expansion plans and subsequent renegotiation of its compact with the state earlier this year triggered the need to update the county's agreement. The Graton Resort and Casino, the largest in the Bay Area, opened in 2013. But we can have a relationship to make sure, within the greater community, any impact is properly mitigated - seen here in this agreement going forward.' Supervisor David Rabbitt emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship between the tribe and the community. As per The Press Democrat, he stated: 'We cannot dictate what tribes do on their land, (as) a sovereign nation. The Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County, California, has given the green light to a revised agreement with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, ensuring the county receives an extra $5 million each year. The deal is tied to the tribe's plans to expand its casino and hotel near Rohnert Park and aims to streamline the previous agreement while outlining $14.5 million in annual payments to offset the impacts on public services provided by the county.

Graton resort and casino address