Tribe pays $100 million for casino site

Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 | 10:25 a.m.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. -- An Indian tribe that abandoned plans to build a casino near San Pablo Bay because of local opposition has paid $100 million for a new 270-acre casino site outside of Rohnert Park.

Station Casinos, the Las Vegas-based partner of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, bought the property west of Rohnert Park last month.

The tribe agreed to repay the money with interest once the casino opens. It will not need to repay the $100 million if the casino fails to get the needed federal and state approval for the project, according to tribal chairman Greg Sarris.

Sarris acknowledged the price was "outrageous" but said it was the cheapest option in the area.

The tribe has earmarked 90 acres for the casino and 180 acres to create wetlands and habitat destroyed in the construction of the casino.

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