The North Fork tribe, also known as the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, has officially broken ground on a new casino in Madera County. The casino, which will be located off of Highway 99 near Avenue 17, is set to be a major economic driver for the tribe and the surrounding community.
After years of planning and legal battles, the North Fork tribe received federal approval in 2011 to build the casino on their tribal land. The decision was met with opposition from other local tribes and community members, but the tribe persevered and finally secured the necessary approvals to move forward with the project.
The new casino, which will be operated by the North Fork Rancheria Tribal Government, is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs in the area. This will provide a much-needed economic boost to Madera County, which has struggled with high unemployment rates in recent years.
In addition to job creation, the casino will also bring in much-needed revenue for the tribe. The North Fork tribe plans to use the revenue generated from the casino to fund essential services for tribal members, including healthcare, education, and housing.
The casino will feature a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It will also include restaurants, a hotel, and other amenities for guests to enjoy.
Tribal Chairman Bobby Salgado expressed his excitement about the casino project, stating, “This is a monumental day for our tribe and our community. The casino will not only provide economic opportunities for our members, but it will also help us preserve our cultural heritage and traditions.”
Local officials have also shown their support for the project, citing the positive impact it will have on the local economy. Madera County Supervisor Tom Wheeler stated, “The casino will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and generate revenue for the tribe and the county. We are thrilled to see this project finally coming to fruition.”
Construction on the casino is expected to be completed in the next two years, with an official grand opening planned for 2023. The North Fork tribe is already working on partnerships with local businesses and organizations to ensure the success of the project.
Overall, the new casino in Madera County is set to bring significant economic benefits to the North Fork tribe and the surrounding community. With job opportunities, revenue, and entertainment options, the casino is sure to be a welcome addition to the area.