The Navajo Nation has secured the legal authority to build a second casino near Flagstaff.
The 13.79-acre site northeast of the city was previously home to the Horsemen Lodge restaurant and the Flying Heart Stables.
The Navajo Nation signed a warranty deed transferring the land to trust status as part of the Navajo Reservation last November and will partner with Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise to develop the casino.
Gaming Enterprise has operated the Twin Arrows hotel and casino 20 miles east of Flagstaff since 2013.
Officials have said there is no current project development timeline.
Known as the Lower 89 Project, the casino will be allowed to have as many as 300 gaming devices under the Tribal-State Gaming Pact of 2021. The exact nature of gaming outlets have not been finalized.
Gaming Enterprise will rent the casino from the Navajo Nation, and revenues will go to a Diné Relocatee Fund that was created as part of the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of 1974.
Construction is expected to create more than 300 jobs, with 100 permanent positions being available upon completion. Development will be overseen by the Arizona Department of Gaming under Gaming Pact rules.
Despite not having regulatory authority over the property, Coconino County officials have said they are looking forward to working with Gaming Enterprise to inform area residents about the project. (Source)
