Keetoowah Band presents casino proposal to Garfield County commissioners, offers infrastructure commitments

Garfield County commissioners met April 2 with leaders of the Keetoowah Band of the Cherokee Tribe, who outlined plans for a proposed casino on land north of State Highway 412 and Highway 132.

Chief Joe Bunch and Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche said the tribe has been looking at a location consisting of 30 acres, with an option to expand by another 110 acres, and described an initial casino building of approximately 10,000 to 20,000 square feet that could include up to 500 gaming machines. The tribe estimated the project could bring about 200 to 300 jobs to Garfield County.

The tribe’s representatives also described potential community benefits they said could accompany the project, including road and bridge improvements, vehicles for the sheriff’s department, a public storm shelter and firefighting equipment for local rural fire departments. Chief Bunch and Assistant Chief Wacoche framed those offers as part of a desire to build a relationship “that would be beneficial to both the County and their Keetoowah Tribe.”

Commissioners and tribal representatives traveled to the proposed site at approximately 2:18 p.m. for an on-site discussion. The meeting record does not show any formal vote, direction, or county action approving the project; the session concluded when Commissioner David Loesch moved to adjourn at 3:02 p.m., a motion the board approved with all three commissioners voting aye.

The proposal outlined in the April 2 meeting remains a preliminary proposal; county officials did not record a decision or a motion related to approval, conditions, or next steps for the casino during this special meeting. Details such as land ownership, necessary approvals, regulatory jurisdiction, potential agreements between the tribe and the county, and funding or revenue-sharing arrangements were not specified in the meeting record.