UPDATE: Casino Project Clears Final Hurdle

UPDATE May 10, 2:30 p.m. The State Assembly today OK'd the casino on Rohnert Park's west side, by an overwhelming show of support. The Press Democrat's Jeremey Hay, who is covering the saga in Sacramento, reported the vote as a staggering 64-3.

It's a sealed deal: The State Senate last week has given the green light for the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria to open up a casino on Rohnert Park's west side, with a 34-4 vote, the Press Democrat reported.

The Press Democrat, which has been following the story in Sacramento for the last two weeks, underscored the contentious 3,000-slot casino, similar to those in Las Vegas because of the type of gaming allowed, the adjoining resort and upscale bars and nightclub planned for the location. The PD reported that:

"State Sen. Mark Leno, whose district includes Rohnert Park, carried the bill, AB 517, on the senate floor. He said the compact reflected 'nine years worth of negotiation' between the tribe and the surrounding community and governments."

The casino project, which has divided many business and political sides in Rohnert Park over nearly a decade, is now just one step away from the final OK.

"The bill still needs a two-thirds vote in the state Assembly to move forward to the federal Department of Interior," the article stated. "The department has 45 days to ratify or reject it. That is the last governmental hurdle the tribe needs to clear before it can begin work, although the compact requires an agreement with Sonoma County to be signed before work can begin on the casino project."

The Graton tribe has partnered with Station Casinos LLC of Las Vegas to build and operate the casino. Station Casinos emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June.

The impact of the casino and whether or not it actually gets built is getting closer to being in the hands of the tribe — out of the local, county and state's hands. What do you think? We're still seeking comments and letters to the editor. Please email them to angela.hart@patch.com or post them in the space below.