A draft environmental impact statement on the much debated casino proposed by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe near La Center has been released.
This report looks at six alternatives, including casino projects of varying sizes, a business park and a no-action option. The preferred alternative would be 1.2 million square feet and cost $510.3 million.
According to the DEIS, construction of the preferred alternative would create 4,011 jobs with an average salary of $46,200 and a total construction payroll of $185.3 million. Sales tax from construction purchases would generate an estimated $39.3 million. Once completed, the casino would create 3,151 permanent jobs, with an average annual wage of $28,000 and a total annual payroll of $88.1 million.
The study also notes the preferred alternative would increase traffic above established congestion levels, negatively affect views from surrounding residential homes and impact revenues of La Center’s four cardrooms by as much as 61 percent.
A 90-day comment period began Friday, April 14. Public hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 14 and June 15 at Vancouver’s Skyview High School.
Click here to view the report.
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