For Immediate Release
Matthew Mingrone
matthew.mingrone@eaglemtncasino.com
Tule River Tribe Receives Governor’s Final Approval for Eagle Mountain Casino Relocation
Tule River Reservation, Porterville, Ca 93257 – California Governor, Gavin Newsom today officially concurred with the October 7, 2019 U.S. Department of Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (DOI/BIA) favorable “two-part” determination on the Tule River Tribe’s proposed gaming project in Porterville, California. Governor Newsome’s concurrence allows the Tule River Tribe to move forward with its application to transfer its already owned 40-acre property in Porterville, off of Hwy 65, (Relocation Project Site) into trust for the location of the new hotel and casino, which will operate class III gaming on the Relocation Project Site, per the approved compact.
The Governor’s concurrence and compact (along with the State Legislature’s ratification) are the final approvals needed to authorize the relocation of the Eagle Mountain Casino to the Relocation Project Site. “These recent approvals represent the culmination of decades of hard work and perseverance and we are pleased that the Governor recognized the substantial benefits of the project for the community.” noted Tule River Council Chairman, Neil Peyron.
The issuance of these approvals marks the end of a 20-year journey to bring the Relocation Project Site into trust, which has been widely supported by the community and local governments alike. “We appreciate all of the support we have received and are proud of our rewarding partnerships with the City of Porterville, Tulare County and the State of California – each of whom were critical in making the relocation project a reality.” continues Peyron.
The Tribe and the Eagle Mountain Casino are excited to be able to move forward with obtaining financing to construct the casino and resort, which will bring approximately 400 construction jobs and 300 or more full time and part time casino operation jobs, which will result in positive economic growth for the City of Porterville and County of Tulare. The Tribe has also entered into intergovernmental agreements with the City of Porterville and Tulare County to address any impacts of the Relocation Project and to provide funding for various governmental services. “We look forward to what the future holds for our tribe and the surrounding communities.” shared Peyron.
The Tule River reservation was established in 1873 in Porterville, Ca. Tribal enrollment is just over 1900 and the reservation spans approximately 55,356 acres. The Tule River Yokut Tribe operates the Tule River Health Center, Justice Center, and many tribal services within the reservation. The tribe also owns and operates gas stations, restaurants, and other entities under the TREDC (Tule River Economic Development Corporation).
For more information, please contact Casino General Manager, Matthew Mingrone at (559)788-1891 or matthew.mingrone@eaglemtncasino.com
