It was recently revealed that a fresh casino-resort will be constructed between Chowchilla and Madera following nearly two decades in the process of making, according to the North Fork Rancheria of Madera County.

Approval of the management agreement:

On January 11, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) officially validated the management contract between Station Casinos and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. According to the conditions of the contract, the tribe and Stations will cooperate on the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort, which will cover 305 acres of land, and be located close to Madera in California. In addition, the federal government took over the said land back in 2013.

This approval represents the peak of a long process of trying to obtain the necessary validations from Washington, D.C., which lasted 20 years.

Commenting on the aforementioned approval, North Fork Rancheria President Fred Beihn, commented: “The North Fork Rancheria is delighted with the approval of the Management Contract with our development partner, Station Casinos. Our Tribe is grateful to have a partner so committed to the principles of tribal sovereignty and to bringing the full benefits of tribal gaming to our Tribe and community.”

In addition, the former tribal chairwoman, Elaine Bethel-Fink, said according to CDC Gaming Reports: “We must acknowledge those tribal leaders and citizens — some no longer with us — who steered and shaped the project over the years. We could have whined and complained, cut corners, or given up; instead, we stuck to our principles and our faith in the law and in doing right, as is the North Fork way.”

Layout of the casino-resort project:

As for the layout of the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort, the project will include a 100,000 square-foot casino that will involve more than 2,000 poker and slot machines, and 40 table games, involving three card poker, Pai Gow and blackjack. Also, according to the officials, the facility will include beverage and dining options, convenient and easy access from Highway 99 and ample parking, according to news portal – yourcentralvalley.com.

Relatedly, the property alone is expected to create 1,000 jobs, offer hospitality options and notable community investment in housing, schools, public safety, local charities, economic development and more.

Construction will start later during this year. Also, financial details for the construction funding or a groundbreaking date have not yet been revealed by the tribe and its ally. As soon as the construction starts, it will last for 15 to 18 months, according to them.