An artist's rendering of the new River Spirit Casino. Image from Manhattan Construction / HKS
The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma has raised the cost of its casino expansion project amid continued delays. The tribe plans to spend $375 million on the River Spirit Casino, up from the original $335 million price tag. The project includes a 26-story hotel, new gaming area, an entertainment venue, a convention center, a spa, a pool, a theater and restaurants in partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand. The tribe is still waiting on a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers because part of the facility will be built over a stream bed. Chief George Tiger said the process is taking longer than expected. “Maybe a little bit of frustration when we know the bottom line is to help the local economy. Unfortunately, with the federal government and all government their wheels don't move as fast as we would like for it to," Tiger told KJRH. The delay means the project likely won't be finished until mid-2016 or in the fall of 2016.
The River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo from Schuler Shook
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River Spirit Casino's "Margaritaville" won't open until Fall 2016 because of a permit hold up (KJRH 8/5)
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