In Welch, Minnesota, the Prairie Island Indian Community’s $68 million casino expansion project was commemorated on Tuesday, Dec. 5 with a ribbon cutting ceremony reportedly making it the state’s second-largest hotel.

According to the press release, the expansion added 306 guestrooms to the existing 482 at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino. The resort property now has two towers, which adds some 185,000 square feet to the venue. The upper floors offer views of the Mississippi River, the bluffs and surrounding scenery.

Shelley Buck, President of the Prairie Island Indian Community said the expansion demonstrates the tribe’s commitment to growth in the region.

“The leaders of our tribal community are charged with thinking ahead seven generations and adding this space for Treasure Island guests to enjoy for years to come greatly assists us toward that end,” Buck said.

Included in the guestroom amenities are Hi-Def TVs, state-of-the-art lighting and the roomy bathrooms are fully enclosed and feature walk-in showers with rain showerheads.

Also new is the hotel lobby, with enhanced front desk facilities and an Island Perk, to include specialty drinks and premium coffees along with sandwiches, deli salads, freshly baked pastries and desserts.

According to the press release, approximately 200 construction jobs were added as a result of the Prairie Island Indian Community’s new hotel investment. Additionally, more than 150 jobs were added to the property, which brought the total workforce up to 1,800 team members, thus furthering its position as the largest employer in Goodhue County.

The Rochester Post-Bulletin reports that Sean Dowse, the mayor of Red Wing said that the expansion means bigger events for the city as there will now be increased capacity for more visitors. Dowse said, “For the longest time, there was a ceiling on the size of event you could have.”