Heat is on for North Coast Lawmakers to Decide on Casino Project

, giving the green light for the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria to build a proposed $433 million Vegas-style casino project on Rohnert Park's west side, must still be approved by the state Legislature and the Department of the Interior.

But, as the Press Democrat is reporting today, "political pressure is building on North Coast lawmakers to reject [the] compact..."

"The project also has become a hot-button campaign issue, particularly in the race for the newly-created 10th Assembly seat in Marin and Sonoma counties being sought by Assemblyman Michael Allen," the article stated.

It continued: "Several lawmakers expressed reservations about the proposed 3,000-slot casino on Tuesday, including Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, who said that the 'compact should be sent back and it should be rejected.'"

The state-gaming agreement, which allows 3,000 slot machines, a resort, sea of parking and restaurants — officials say will create 2,500 jobs and have an annual payroll of $67 million in employment.

The Graton tribe partnered with Station Casinos LLC of Las Vegas to build and operate the casino. Station Casinos emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June. Read the full article from the Press Democrat here.