SEPTEMBER 2023
Casino-Resort Plan
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs held a virtual public hearing on September 27th to take public comments on the environmental study it recently released for the Koi Nation’s proposed casino-resort project in the Shiloh neighborhood, just outside of Windsor. Copies of the environmental assessment are available for public review at the Windsor Regional Library at 9291 Old Redwood Highway.
The Bureau is considering a number of alternatives for the 68 acres off East Shiloh Road. One plan is for a little over 800,000 square feet in construction for the casino and hotel. Another is a “reduced intensity” version of about 550,000 square feet. A slimmed-down “nongaming” alternative with 186,000 square feet of hotel and winery is another option.
The Secretary of the Interior (Deb Haaland) oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has final decision-making authority over the project. The tribe would also have to secure a gaming compact through the California Governor’s Office and the Legislature.
The Koi Nation has been granted federal tribal status. The tribe bought the land in September 2021 and in March 2022 applied to the Department of the Interior to have the land placed into trust to become a sovereign tribal property. The application is still being reviewed.
At least four other local tribes have submitted letters opposing the project. In April 2022, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to oppose the project. However, the county has no say in the matter.
Written comments on the Environmental Assessment will be accepted through October 27.
They can be emailed to chad.broussard@bia.gov.
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