In a significant development, the Native Village of Eklutna is preparing the groundwork for a groundbreaking gaming facility, marking a historic first outside of Southeast Alaska. This prospective 50,000-square-foot gaming hall is poised to reshape local entertainment and economic landscapes, contingent upon securing the necessary federal green light.

Project genesis and approvals:

The initiative, spearheaded by the Native Village of Eklutna, revolves around an 8-acre site in Birchwood, roughly 20 miles northeast of Anchorage. This land, long-held by a tribal family, might soon transform following an encouraging nod from the National Indian Gaming Commission this summer (pdf). This approval reverses previous objections, bringing the project to the threshold of obtaining a crucial federal permit from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“We have started clearing a small amount of land on our proposed project site, however there are still hurdles before us in our decades-long journey to open a potential gaming hall,” Aaron Leggett, president of the Native Village of Eklutna, said, as reported by Anchorage Daily News. “We want to work with all stakeholders to make this potential facility a positive project in every possible way.”

While the gaming hall promises to feature a restaurant and various electronic gaming options like bingo, community reactions have been mixed. The Birchwood Community Council has yet to take an official stance but expresses concerns. Conversely, local entrepreneurs see potential benefits, reflecting a divide in community sentiment. The State of Alaska, historically opposed, is reassessing its stance in light of recent developments.

Envisioned as a modest establishment, the facility would differ markedly from the expansive casinos of Las Vegas or Atlantic City. The site near Birchwood Airport has been prepped with gravel, poised for construction should the final approvals arrive.

Contractual and operational plans:

The operational blueprint involves Marnell Companies, with its subsidiary, Marnell Gaming, tasked with designing and managing the development. “Our design is set to evolve, potentially accommodating up to 700 machines in a phased expansion,” noted Anthony Marnell III, CEO of Marnell Companies. The project’s initial phase would dedicate significant space to gaming machines, with a substantial portion allotted to dining services.

The project’s advancement is a testament to changing regulatory perspectives, underscored by a recent legal opinion from the Interior Department’s Solicitor, which has facilitated a more favorable environment for tribal gaming ventures on Native allotments. This shift is instrumental as the Eklutna tribe anticipates a decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs by year’s end, following a public environmental assessment and comment period slated to commence soon.

Amidst planning and regulatory negotiations, the tribe remains committed to proactive community engagement. “We are dedicated to dialogues that enhance understanding and cooperation with local stakeholders,” Marnell added, emphasizing the project’s potential to bring economic uplift and cultural enrichment to the area.

As the Native Village of Eklutna navigates the remaining bureaucratic and community engagement hurdles, the vision for the gaming hall becomes increasingly tangible. This facility, distinct in its scope and scale, could become a cornerstone of local economic and social development, fostering a new era of tribal enterprise within the Anchorage area.