California's Redding Rancheria tribe secures federal approval for Win-River Casino expansion

The Redding Rancheria has received federal approval to proceed with its plan to expand and relocate the Win-River Resort and Casino to a new site along the Sacramento River, the tribe announced. The U.S. Department of the Interior finalized its decision on July 1 to transfer the Rancheria-owned land into federal trust status for gaming purposes.

Originally announced in 2016, the tribe's relocation project aims to move the Win-River Casino to the Strawberry Fields area in Churn Creek Bottom, situated south of Redding along Interstate 5. This relocation necessitated federal trust status, exempting the land from local taxes and development regulations.

"This monumental decision concludes the federal agency review process that included nearly two decades of comprehensive expert analysis into the environmental, economic, and social impacts of our proposed casino relocation project," stated the Rancheria.

Regarding the timeline for construction, the Rancheria acknowledged potential legal challenges from opposing groups, anticipating litigation over the federal approval in court.

Opponents such as Speak Up! Shasta argue that the casino's expansion will increase crime and traffic while potentially disrupting agricultural lands. Supporters counter that the development will bring economic benefits to Shasta County, including job creation and increased tourism, citing recent commercial developments nearby.

Robb Korinke of Speak Up! Shasta voiced opposition, criticizing the financial arrangements between the Rancheria and local authorities. "Thousands of Shasta County residents oppose this harmful project and the Redding Rancheria wants local taxpayers to foot the bill through their sham 'deal' with the Board of Supervisors," he stated.

Earlier this year, controversy intensified when the California Land Stewardship Council filed a lawsuit against the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, contesting the legality of an agreement supporting the casino's funding for public services.

In response to challenges, the Rancheria affirmed confidence in the federal decision-making process, highlighting that the tribe "has waited for more than two decades for the restoration of these aboriginal homelands to trust." Officials said the tribe will monitor developments over the coming weeks "to take any necessary action to preserve our interests in the decision."

Plans for the new facility include a 69,541-square-foot casino, a nine-story, 250-room hotel, restaurants, conference, event, and convention centers, and a large retail center on 232 acres of undeveloped land west of Interstate 5, adjacent to the I-5-South Road interchange.

Currently, Win-River's operations are based at a smaller facility with 84 hotel rooms and a 60,000-square-foot casino along Highway 273, between Clear Creek and Canyon roads.

The Rancheria's goal is to secure federal trust status for the entire 232-acre parcel, ensuring exemption from local taxes and development regulations currently applicable to the agricultural-zoned land.