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Mechoopda Casino no clear future yet

Posted on June 29th, 2010

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After about 2 years of legal fighting, the tribe’s envisioned Mechoopda Indian Casino seems to remain only a vision since no new talks have surfaced concerning the construction and operation of the said casino. Butte County proposed during 2009 for the Mechoopda Casino not to be built, reasoning the negative effects of the proposed casino to the environment and public traffic around the location. The county has so far spent over $390,000 on a lawsuit against the casino project.

Former chairman of the Board of supervisors Curt Josiassen explained the main concern about the project is the location where it is supposed to be built. The casino was proposed to be built 2 miles east of highway 99, on highway 149. Josjassen explains that even if Burt County looses in its appeal, the Mechoopda Casino is still facing issues of environment concern and waste problems. He later explains that he tried persuading the tribe to move the facility to a location much closer to an urban environment. However, the proposed place has “an aboriginal tie to the land” explained by Spokesman for Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, Doug Elmets. This is why the change of location is unprobable.

Butte County indicated East Briggs as another good location for the casino, but the suggestion will not work for the tribe. Spokesman Elmets explained “ You can’t build a casino in East Biggs because the tribe has no aboriginal or original ties in East Biggs”. East Briggs is a better location according to the county since it is far from residential houses, churches and schools, where a casino may give a harmful effect. East Briggs is also a bustling place for an active establishment like a casino accodting to Elmets. District 4 Superior Steve Lambert expressed his stand on the casino project, saying that in the event the Machoopda Casino does push thru on the tribe’s original plan, he will still offer his help and support for the them.

The tribe’s original location is under Lambert’s current district.”It comes to a point that if it happens, the county is going to have to deal with it,” the superior said. “We all want the tribe to be successful and for it to prosper” said Lambert. He further explains that the casino project can bring employment opportunities for the tribe that will be most beneficial to them economically, something Lambert wishes for the tribe.

Butte County Counsel Bruce Alpert said that is was unable to reach a settlement with Station Casinos, the one who will be developing the casino project regarding the proper location. Unfortunately, in July 2009 Station Casinos was known to have filed for bankruptcy, still keeping relations with the Machoopda Tribe. Doug Elmets said “As it relates to the tribe and their casino project, they ( Station Casinos) are focused on having an opportunity to build the casino and creating economic self-sufficiency for the tribe and a boon for the local economy.” The land where the casino was said to be constructed was even rumored to be up for sale as a part of Station’s bankruptcy, but this was clarified by Elmets saying the land is not for sale, and will serve its purpose until the project is done. The Mechoopda Tribe is considered as an independent group of people but the government has repeatedly tried to come up with a compromise about the casino, but to no success.

It is to be noted that currently , Butte County has already several casinos operational,
the Feather Falls Casino and Gold Country Casino, which haven’t made exemplary revenues. Lambert feels another Indian casino may not be necessary.