North San Diego County OKs $38 Million Agreement With Pauma

Article From North County Times
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/08/06/news/sandiego/z0f1617273bd55d908825749d0077a322.txt

The county Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved an agreement with the Pauma Band of Mission Indians worth $38 million in road improvements.

The North County tribe is scheduled to build a $300 million high-rise hotel and casino to replace its small operation about 20 miles north of Escondido. As part of its agreement with the state, the tribe is required to pay for off-reservation impacts of the casino before construction can begin.

Several supervisors called the agreement a model for other tribes. Supervisor Bill Horn, whose North County district includes the Pauma reservation, called the agreement "historic."

Of the $38 million, $25.5 million would pay for improvements to Highway 76, including passing lanes, turnouts, shoulder widening and intersection improvements. The tribe also would pay more than $600,000 a year for law enforcement, programs for problem gamblers and public safety programs.

"We believe as a tribe that we've put something together that is to the benefit of all of us," Pauma Chairman Chris Devers said during the meeting.