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California Casino Money Funds Community Projects

BANNING, California – As reported by the Southern California Press-Enterprise: "…Cities and Riverside County got a small portion Monday of $10.4 million in casino profits set aside in a special fund to offset the effects of tribal casinos on neighboring communities.

"A committee of city, county and tribal representatives awarded a total of $456,296 from the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians and the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.

"Money went for everything from helping Indio build a new fire station to funding district attorney's office liaison/coordinators who will work with tribes. The money should be received by late June, officials said.

"Committee members scheduled a 3 p.m. meeting for June 14 at Banning City Hall to consider awarding nearly $10 million left in the special distribution fund.

"…The committee's staff is recommending that Banning receive about $1.9 million for its police department from the Morongo tribe. The money would pay for new police cars, motorcycles, guns and handheld radios. About $1.9 million also is recommended for the Sheriff's Department in the San Gorgonio Pass.

"…An additional $793,000 from the Morongo Band is still available for use in the Pass. It could put one ambulance at Casino Morongo and add code enforcement officers focusing on Ramsey Street, the main drag through Banning.

"Temecula could be eligible for about $1.1 million, and the money could be used to improve the Interstate 15/Highway 79 South interchange…"

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