Casino expansion plans unclear

The Klamath Tribes' General Council voted to move forward with the project in April

By Ty Beaver, Herald and News July 28, 2008

CHILOQUIN - It is unclear when the Klamath Tribes will begin construction on a planned $32 million expansion of Kla-Mo-Ya Casino.

The Tribes' General Council voted in April to move forward with the project. Preliminary plans call for a 30- to 40-room hotel, recreation and dining facilities and an expanded casino floor.

Declined to comment

Tribal officials associated with the casino declined to comment on the project, although one official said aspects of the project have yet to be approved by the Tribal Council.

News of the expansion emerged in October after the project was presented to the General Council. Tribal officials at that time commented that the casino’s financial situation justified expansion.

The April edition of the Tribes’ Klamath News said that construction of the expansion would reduce per capita payments that Klamath tribal members receive from casino revenue. A loan would provide further funding.

Two construction phases

Initial plans called for two phases of construction. The new casino space and hotel would be built first, followed by conversion of the current casino f loor, an auditorium and administrative offices.

Anderson Construction Company is listed at the primary builder for the project. Tribal chairman Joe Kirk did not return phone calls to the Herald and News.