California | Casino Stalker

Wilton Rancheria plans casino by outlet mall under construction

Thursday, June 16, 2016

An aerial view of an outlet mall under construction in Elk Grove, California, shows the site where the Wilton Rancheria plans to build a casino. Image from Google Maps

The Wilton Rancheria is sticking closer to home as it pursues a casino in northern California.

Tribal leaders initially focused on a site in Galt, about 12 miles from headquarters in Elk Grove. But now they have settled on a site less than 4 miles away.

"Our office is in Old Town Elk Grove," Chairman Raymond C. Hitchcock told The Elk Grove Citizen. "That means we’re not going anywhere anytime soon and that money is going to stay here in our community to where we can benefit the community with philanthropic endeavors

The 35-acre site has already been identified as an alternative in the environmental impact statement for the project. It's located near an outlet mall that's already under construction.

The tribe entered into an option agreement with the Howard Hughes Corporation to purchase the land. The company will continue to build the mall on the surrounding property.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs released the draft EIS in December and hosted a public meeting in January. The next step in the process would be a final EIS.

Get the Story:
Tribe now favors Elk Grove over Galt for casino complex (The Galt Herald 6/16)
Wilton Rancheria eyes Elk Grove for casino (The Elk Grove Citizen 6/15)
Elk Grove Casino Plans Bring Mixed Reactions From Residents (FOX40 6/10)
Rancheria Considers Casino Near Elk Grove Outlet Mall (CBS13 6/10)

Federal Register Notices:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 29, 2015)
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 4, 2013)