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RP casino cost could reach $1 billion

SANTA ROSA, Feb. 28, 2008 -- The cost to build a high-end casino resort northwest of Rohnert Park could reach $1 billion between the planned start of construction in October and anticipated completion by late 2009, a spokeswoman for the Indian tribe behind the project told a group of local contractors today.

The costs of land plus decisions to have the 300-room luxury resort, 1,000-seat convention center, Broadway-style theater, spa and casino built according to certified green-building standards and the decision to use union labor are pushing the project beyond recent estimates of $600 million from resort developer Station Casinos of Las Vegas, according to Susan Moore of Friends of Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Going for certification of the project by the U.S. Green Building Council likely will add a third to the cost of the project.

"This is going to become an engine to keep the economy in Sonoma County running for some time," she told the group of several dozen general and specialty contractors at the lunchtime briefing sponsored by the North Coast Builders Exchange.

The environmental document for the project is set to be done in late March or early April. At that time the tribe plans to start discussions with Gov. Schwarzenegger about a gaming compact.

Ms. Moore said Station is anticipating a lawsuit against the project but expects to be able to move into construction in the fall based on success in court in a similar dispute against its Thunder Valley Casino near Sacramento.