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Kansas County, Tribe Eye Casino for Future

MAYETTA, Kansas -- As reported by the Associated Press: "Six years ago, most of the roads at the Potawatomi reservation north of Topeka were either dirt or gravel. The unemployment rate in Jackson County was high, and there wasn't much reason for anyone living outside the county to seek jobs there.

"What a difference a casino makes.

"Now the state's No. 2 tourist attraction, Harrah's Prairie Band Casino has infused new life into a community where three out of every four members of the tribe had no job two decades ago.

With a work force of more than 1,050, the casino and adjacent hotel had an annual payroll last year of $23 million, and officials believe that will exceed $26 million next year.

"...The average salary is $14 an hour, and 75 percent of the employees are full time. The county's jobless rate has shrunk to 6.4 percent, and 2000 census figures show 1,400 people commute into the county to work, compared with 400 in 1990.

"...Zach Pahmahmie, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said proceeds from the casino have funded such community resources as the Elder Center, fire department, police department, buffalo herd and Prairie People's Park..."

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