$800 Million Resort and Casino Project in Viejas

American Indian tribes continue to be the big thing when it comes to casino projects throughout the country. In a recent announcement made by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, they revealed plans to expand the already existing Viejas Casino. The project is expected to cost about $800 million and includes the following plans:

â€¢ A new casino
â€¢ A hotel, with a spa, retail outlets and restaurants
â€¢ Resort cabana, pool area
â€¢ Conference & banquet space
â€¢ A movie theater
â€¢ A new parking structure
â€¢ A co-generation power plant.

The new project is planned to be developed next to the Viejas Casino, located off of I-8 east of San Diego. The existing casino (Viejas Casino and Turf Club) already has 2,500 slot machines, more than 80 table games, a poker room, a bingo hall, lounges, and restaurants. As a matter of fact, this casino is already accepted as one of the best in California. The new casino is scheduled to be completed by 2012. Neighboring residents need not feel left out of the picture as Bobby L. Barrett, Viejas Tribal Chairman, has said that they plan to hold regular community meetings to gather input and offer updates to everyone.

Just a note on the Viejas tribe: â€œAs a sovereign government recognized by the United States, Viejas Tribal Government operates a fully functional, modern government structure and has a strong government-to-government relationship with the members of the local, state and national government. Maintaining economic self-sufficiency for the members of the Viejas Tribe is the main goal of the Tribal Government. Largely through tribal government gaming revenue, Viejas Tribal Government provides its members with services including housing, health care, education and fire protection.â€