According to documents filed in Sonoma County, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the operators of the Graton Resort and Casino, have submitted requests for a large-scale expansion of the property.
The proposal includes plans for the addition of a second hotel structure as well as expansions to the existing casino floor and swimming area. A new theater and parking garage are also included in the plan.
In all, the project would increase the casino’s footprint by more than 140,000 square feet.
Even though the requests were filed through the county, the casino sits on tribal land, which means that the federal government will actually oversee much of the proceedings.
One of the contingencies of the expansion is an environmental study of surrounding areas and how they may be affected by the increased noise, traffic and pollution. The study is ongoing, and there is a public forum open through May 4 for residents to share any concerns they have about how the project could affect non-tribal lands.
This isn’t the first time the tribe has explored expansion options–another proposal somewhat smaller in scope was filed in 2017, but environmental concerns kept it from gaining traction.
Originally opened in 2013, the casino currently employs over 2,000 people, making it one of the largest private employers in Sonoma County. It is unclear the amount of new staff needed to accommodate the expansion project.
