Tribe releases design plans for casino in the gorge
As reported by The Associated Press

PORTLAND -- The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have released two design options for a planned casino in the Columbia River Gorge, one for each possible site for the gaming operation.

The final decision on placing the casino is up to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

The Warm Springs made it clear since 1998 that the tribe wants to build a casino in the gorge, an 85-mile stretch of which falls inside a two-state federally protected national scenic area. Much of the scenic area is tightly regulated, but the guidelines do not apply to Native American lands or to the cities' urban growth boundaries within the scenic area.

The Cascade Locks casino would sit in an industrial park not far from a wood-pellet mill and the Columbia River. The low-rise building incorporates basalt rock and wood planks in its design, an artistic modeling of a Native American fishing village. Parking would be both above and underground.

The 500,000-square-foot building is planned to include a conference center, Native American museum and hotel.

Inside, small shops and restaurants would surround the slot machines and gaming tables. It also would have a swimming pool, spa and waterfalls surrounded by tribal cultural designs, such as petroglyphs and pottery.

Washoes' Indian Hills Casino project moving forward
As reported by The Nevada Appeal

North Douglas County could have a new 15,000-square-foot casino by the end of this year, said Bruce Dewing, president of the Holder Hospitality Group.

The property is owned by the Washoe Tribe. Final agreements between Holder and the tribe were recently filed with the National Indian Gaming Commission in Washington, D.C., for approval. A decision is expected in 30 to 60 days, Dewing said.

"As soon as we get approval to go forward, we'll put the project out to bid," Dewing said.

The owner of Sharkey's in Gardnerville, Holder will design, develop and manage the property. The Washoe Tribe will own the casino.

Located just south of Mica Drive on Highway 395, the project will encompass about 25 of the 75 acres owned by the Washoe Tribe at the site. Phase one includes a 200-slot machine casino, 50-space RV park, service station and convenience store. The project is tentatively planned through four phases.