Viejas Agree to Pay for Casino Impacts

As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "The Viejas Indian band is formally agreeing to pay the county more than $1.2 million to address impacts of a planned casino expansion on the tribe's East County reservation.

"The intergovernmental agreement, scheduled to be voted on Wednesday by the Board of Supervisors, will be the first reached in San Diego County under new Indian gaming compacts negotiated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Viejas is planning a two-story, 45,000-square-foot casino expansion to add 250 slot machines, six card tables and a bar. (The casino now has 2,250 slots.) The $18 million project is expected to be completed next year.

"…Under the agreement, Viejas will pay the county $1.2 million for road improvements. The tribe also will explore options with Caltrans for getting another Interstate 8 access ramp.

"Viejas also is agreeing to:

"Compensate the Sheriff's Department for one half of a full-time deputy's salary, and continue funding the district attorney's tribal liaison position.

" Continue providing its own fire protection and emergency medical services to the casino.

" Work with the county to prepare a report assessing compulsive gambling in the region, and provide services to meet those needs…"