SpilyayTymoo
Warm Springs, Oregon
November 5, 1998 3
Casino offers answers to questions most often asked about new casino proposal
15 Often-asked Questions
About the Warm Springs Tribe's Casino Proposal
1. Q: Is Casino gaming the best way to take care of the
Warm Springs people's future?
. A: The Warm Springs reservation is relatively isolated
location. In the past, the forest and hydroelectric power
resources of the Reservation have provide revenues to support
Tribal Government and provide a permanent homeland and
livelihood for Tribal members. However, revenues from
timber harvest and forest products manufacturing have greatly
declined and revenues from hydroelectric power generation
will decline in the near future.
The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
seeks additional revenue sources to replace these declining
revenues and to relieve the pressure on those natural
to build, creating 76-1 50 (peak) construction jobs. Some 70 operator to assist local and state programs for those
of casino revenues would come from outside the Columbia
River Gorge area. A positive economic impact of dollars
spent in the local area by casino patrons and employees can
be expected to accrue to local service stations, hotels,
restaurants, food outlets, shops and other entertainment and
recreational facilities.
individuals who are afflicted with gambling addiction. We
have had such a program in place since the opening of Indian
Head Casino at Kah-Nee-Ta. The Tribe contributes to the
agencies that address this problem and also believe it's
important to take preventive measures, especially by helping
to educate youth about the pitfalls of gambling and by being
6. Q: What are the employment and wages potentials in alert to any problem gamblers in our facility.
the casino? 12. Q: How would a casino affect the local crime rate?
A: There is significant potential for employment of local A: The Tribe does not believe building a casino in the
residents. Between 290 and 375 full-time jobs would be Hood River County area would increase the local crime rate,
created. Total payroll is estimated to well exceed $5.5 million We have not experienced crime increases related to operation
annually.
A range of salaries from minimum wage for entry jobs to
$16hr. for trained and skilled workers with seniority is
resources. The Tribe has considered any viable alternative for expected. Tips and gratuities are typically available to many
achieving this objective. However, the Reservation is distant
from markets and has transportation disadvantages, limiting
the revenue potential from non-resource based sources.
Gaming has proved a viable economic source for many
Indian nations across the U.S. The Tribe's existing Indian
hourly workers in the casino business, bringing average
of the Indian Head Casino. The Oregon State Police report
that other communities in Oregon have not experienced any
significant increase in general crime as a result of the
presence of Indian casinos.
The Tribe is gathering studies on the subject from other
hourly compensation to $9hr. or more for about two-thirds of sources in Oregon and nationally, and will talk with local law
casino jobs, such as table game dealers, poker dealers, waiters enforcement officials about concerns about increased crime
and waitresses. off the casino site.
The gaming industry is competitive with other large Casino employees and vendors are subjected to extensive
Head Casino at Kah-Nee-Ta is profitable, but has very limited businesses in providing benefits to employees. Typically these scrutiny and licensing, including criminal background and
earning potential because of it's remote location. Casino include major medical coverage, prescription, vision, dental
profits support the Tribal Nation's governmental services and coverage, life insurance, child care services, paid holidays,
programs and Tribal Members. Tribal government services to vacation pay, awards compensation for outstanding
it's people include education, pre-school programs and
scholarships, health and wellness, elderly care, housing,
roads, police, fire and emergency services and the judicial
system.
2. Q: What positive impact can a casino have on the
Tribe's heritage?
A: Economic self-sufficiency is critical to the preservation
of the Tribe's government, culture, heritage, way-of-life and
maintain the Warm Springs Reservation as a permanent
homeland for Tribal Members. As a source of revenue to
support tribal government and programs, gaming can assure
self-sufficiency of the Tribes and it's members. With this
comes sustained Tribal language, culture and traditional
values.
3. Q: Will any casino by wholly owned and managed by
the Tribe?
A: Yes. The Tribe's existing Indian Head Casino has
always been wholly owned and managed by the Tribe, and
there has never been a management contract which provides
for sharing the profits with any other entity.
4. Q: How would a casino change the quality of life in
Hood River? r ....
A: The tribes believes it can improve the quality of life forw
many in the county. A casino would create jobs, expand and
enhance the tourism economy, increase the purchase of local
goods and services, and bring added corporate support to
community enterprises.
5. Q: What positive economic impacts can be expected
locally from a casino?
A: The Tribes' have commissioned an economic impact
study by an independent consulting firm to evaluate the
economic benefits to the local area if a casino as proposed is
developed. Results are expected by early November, 1998,
and will be made available then.
Based on national data and the Tribe's previous experience,
it's reasonable to project that a casino of the size being
considered would cost between $15-million and $18 million
achievement.
7. Q: What percent of casino employees would be from
the local area?
A: A large percent of the jobs would be available to local
residents. Less than 10 would be expected to be held by
Tribal members. Of all the jobs the casino would offer, 85
to 88 are positions that are readily trainable.
8. Q: What financial and economic support is the Tribe
prepared to commit to benefit communities in Hood River
county?
A: The Tribe will be a good corporate citizen in Hood
River County and contribute to the improvement of the
community. Specific terms would be developed in discussions
between the Tribe and the host area and incorporated in a
compact between the State of Oregon and the Tribe.
9. Q: Will the Tribe pay for increased local services
required as a result of casino development?
A: The Tribe understands the impact on a community of
added police and fire protection, water and sewer services,
road improvements and other services. The Tribe will
certainly pay for it's fair share. It is a cost of doing business.
The Tribe would work with various local agencies to define
the ijeeds, and the costs.
10. tjf How would housing and schools be impacted in
our area?
A: The Tribe understands housing, especially low-income
housing, is scarce in the Hood River area. We are examining
ways to work with the community on this issue, particularly if
the casino development were to cause housing displacement.
Regarding schools, if the lion's share of jobs at the casino
Were to go to local residents, the Tribes assumes there would
be limited impact on schools. Education is of great
importance to the Tribe, and a key opportunity area for
potential community contributions.
11. Q: What about gambling addiction? What does the
Tribe propose to do about it in the Hood River area? ,
A: The Tribe recognizes its responsibility as a casino
credit checks involving federal, state and tribal regulatory
agencies, thereby ensuring that the casino does not introduce a
criminal element into the community.
At the proposed casino, the Tribe would maintain its own
security force, and under Compact with the State, work
closely with the Oregon State Police. Indian gaming is one of
the most tightly regulated industries for security purposes in
the country, under terms of federal law.
13. Q: If the Tribes wants to draw patrons from the
Portland metro area, why don't they build their casino
there?
A: The Tribes has no land ties to the Portland area. Hood
River County is part of the Tribe's aboriginal territory, ceded
to the United States in 1855. Tribal members can date their
ancestry to the Hood River area back 10,000 years. The Tribe
currently owns land in trust near the city of Hood River,
which is eligible for gaming pursuant to federal laws.
14. Q: If the casino is not built on property newly
acquired by the Tribes for that purpose, will it be built on
the Tribe's trust land east of Hood River?
A: The Tribe has not made a specific decision on a location
for any new casino. Under the Tribe's Constitution, the Tribal
Council, as the elected governing body, is bound by the terms
of a referendum of the tribal voters. Thus, any final decision
by the Tribe will depend upon a vote of the tribal , ,
membership. , , . . . - . , ,
15. Q: Will the Tribe be responsive to public opinion in
reaching it's decision on whether or not to proceed with a
casino in Hood River County?
A: Representatives of the Tribe are actively seeking public
opinion on their proposal. To date, we have heard both strong
opposition and support from a variety of citizens across the
County. The Tribes plans to continue to provide information
and receive comments and opinions in an effort to reach
residents in all areas and walks of life in the Columbia River
Gorge area.
These opinions are important to the Tribe in making a .
decision to develop a firm proposal and begin discussions
with State officials about a compact for a new casino, and
with federal officials if a newly acquired site is involved.
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Comprehensive Plan
Community Conference
Monday, November 9, 1998
Agency Longhouse
Warm Springs, Oregon
2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Session 1
Dinner
Session 2 (repeat of session 1)
"We teach our children mutual respect for each other and
each tribe, " The People's Voice '98"
Come and play "Reservation Monopoly," Family Fued, and
give your ideas before the adoption of the Comp Plan In
December.
Come early. The first 75 people for each session will get to
use the electronic voting equipment to give your ideas. There
will be door prizes and prizes for the games. Fun for the
whole family.
CRANCfl
cuter
In
ONUISIA
II
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Tribal Council explains proposal in progress
As many of you have no
doubt heard and read, the
tribal gaming enterprise is
considering expansion into the
Hood River area. The Tribes
own a 40-acre parcel of land
just east of the city of Hood
River and that is the proposed
site for a casino development.
The Tribes have also taken an
option on approximately 12
acres on the west end of Hood
River. This parcel is outside .
the city limits, but inside the
urban growth boundary and
was chosen because of its
proximity to Interstate 84.
We are currently engaged in
informal discussions with
county and city government
officials (and civic groups) to
answer questions about such
things as payment in lieu of
taxes, a community fund,
gambling addiction,
infrastructure needs,
enforcement and employment.
City and county officials are
planning a country-wide
referendum or survey to
determine what the feelings of
the residents are concerning
gaming. We have just recently
received an economic impact
study that was commissioned
by Indian Head Gaming, and
we will share the results of that
study with tribal members and
the Hood River community as
soon as possible.
Tribal members will recall
the gaming was an ominous
prospect just four years ago
. when it was first proposed
here. Many predicted dire
social and financial
consequences for our people if
gaming were permitted on the
reservation. The city and
county of Hood River are now
dealing with the same
concerns.
The Hood River gaming
proposal (and please keep in
mind that it is only a proposal)
has spawned a vigorous and
outspoken opposition group
who call themselves No
CasiNo! This group is well
organized and is bombarding
Oregon politicians with anti
casino postcards. We expected
this and we have tried to keep
the lines of communications
open to answer questions and
address their concerns.
Tribal members may
wonder why this proposal is
being put forward at this time.
The answer is quite simple:
Revenue. As we move into
the month of November, we
are all aware that the process
of budget meetings will
commence, wherein we
debate the relative merits of
various projects and
programs. This year, Tribal
Council has posted a deficit
budge of $739,071.
During the next month, we
will have to trim that amount
from the list of new initiatives
and maintenance of services
to achieve a balanced budget.
Many worthwhile initiatives
will fall in the budget
balancing process.
Now, consider this: A
casino in Hood River County
could potentially produce
gross revenue of $52 million,
or net income of $ 1 5-1 8
million a year.
Please bear with us as we
proceed with this proposal.
We are not being secretive nor
are we trying to circumvent
any processes. We are trying
to do what is in the best long
term interests of Tribal
Members.
Olney Pott, Jr.
Tribal Council Chairman