Governor Brown And The Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe Sign New Tribal-State Gaming Compact

WINTERHAVEN, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown and the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe ("Tribe") have signed a new Tribal-State Gaming Compact ("Compact") between the Tribe and the State of California.

"The Quechan Indian Tribe is grateful to Governor Brown for making this agreement possible," said President Escalanti, the elected leader of the Tribe, of the new Compact.  "This new Compact reflects the Tribe's commitment to the State of California, our local community, and the nongaming and limited gaming California tribes."

The terms of the new Compact reduce the Tribe's revenue sharing obligations by approximately four million dollars ($4,000,000) per year, and simultaneously increase the Tribe's ability to generate revenues through its gaming operations by providing the right to operate additional gaming facilities and gaming devices.

Previously, the Tribe's Quechan Casino, located in the city of Winterhaven, in Imperial County, operated under the 2006 Compact Amendment, signed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  The 2006 Compact Amendment contained onerous revenue contribution provisions that deprived the Tribe of infrastructure investment opportunities.  The new Compact alleviates the financial hardship the Tribe experienced under the 2006 Compact Amendment and is in line with the longstanding federal principle of promoting tribal economic development and self-sufficiency. 

"The Tribe is pleased to move forward under the favorable terms of the new Compact to more adequately provide for the Tribe while continuing to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the State of California and our local community," said President Keeny Escalanti.  The Tribe's Senior Center and Wellness Center are just two examples of the benefits yielded by the Tribe's gaming operations. 

"The Tribe's savings under the new Compact will allow the Tribe to provide critical services to its Members, including education, healthcare, and housing services," continued President Escalanti.  "In addition, the Tribe can now invest directly in the city of Winterhaven and the surrounding communities, providing added benefits to both Members and non-native residents."

The Tribe looks forward to the continued success of its gaming business through the Compact, and remains committed to a continued mutually respectful government-to-government relationship with the State. 

For more information, contact:
Robert Rosette · (480) 889-8990
[email protected]

SOURCE Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe