July 31, 2017
BROOKS, CA (July 31, 2017) – With the delivery of a $500,000 check on July 18, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation completed its initial $1.5 million payment to Yolo County under the new Intergovernmental Agreement. The Tribe and County signed the agreement in April in connection with the expansion of the hotel at Cache Creek Casino Resort. Overall, it will provide the County and others more than $161 million for a range of public uses over the next 22 years.
“Under our new Tribal-State Compact and Intergovernmental Agreement, we are proudly expanding our longstanding commitment to the betterment of our local communities,” said Anthony Roberts, Yocha Dehe Tribal Treasurer. “The initial $1.5 million payment is just the start.”
The intergovernmental agreement is designed to mitigate the off-reservation physical impacts of the hotel expansion, and reimburses the County for costs it incurs because of gaming operations. It also provides resources to the County and local community for improvements that are not gaming-related. In addition to the initial $1.5 million, the pact requires the Tribe to provide:
- $6.2 million in unrestricted funds annually (adjusted for inflation) to the County,
- $300,000 per year for Capay Valley community-specific projects and initiatives,
- $50,000 per year for local emergency and fire service districts,
- Funding for two added sheriff’s deputies and vehicles in Capay Valley,
- Up to $5 million in CalTrans road improvements on Highway 16, and
- New public transit subsidies and programs (on top of the $1.5 million the Tribe already provides).
The expansion of the hotel at Cache Creek Casino Resort will add up to 459 new rooms, as well as a pool, restaurant, additional meeting space and a multipurpose ballroom. Completion is expected by Spring 2019.
“Yocha Dehe’s focus on partnerships that create jobs and business opportunities and support our community is stronger than ever and we are excited about what we can do together,” added Treasurer Roberts. “For example, we were recently able to support community efforts by funding the completion of the Esparto Community Park & Aquatic Center, and providing critical capital for the new Yolo Food Bank facility. And, as it has since 2000, our Yocha Dehe Community Fund works consistently to improve the quality of life in Yolo County by supporting education, community health, arts and culture, environment, community development, and social services.”