Category: BLOG

January 7, 2022 – The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced today the release of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Siletz Casino Project in Salem, Oregon. This release of the EA is a significant step forward for the Siletz Casino Project as the EA is an important component to obtaining federal approval. The EA assesses the environmental impacts resulting from the development of a gaming facility and hotel by the Siletz Tribe on federal land that has been held in trust for the Tribe since 2000.

“We know that the Siletz Casino Project will bring significant investments to the surrounding community and to all federally recognized Tribes in Oregon,” said Dee Pigsley, Tribal Council Chairman, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. “We look forward to advancing the discussion with the community about all the ways the project will improve transportation infrastructure, job growth and other important challenges facing the community.”

The EA was prepared by the BIA and is a comprehensive evaluation of all matters related to the development of the Siletz Casino Project and its impact on both the Siletz Tribe and the local community. Factors evaluated in the EA include everything from transportation infrastructure to public services such as fire and police support to environmental issues related to surface and wastewater. The EA identifies potential impacts and includes measures that will be used to address and mitigate any identified impacts.

The Siletz Tribe welcomes public review of the environmental document and its supporting studies. The public comment period will be open from January 7, 2022 to April 8, 2022. Copies of the EA are available online at https://siletzsalemcasinonepa.com or the Salem Public Library located at 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301.

A close partnership and constant communication with fellow Indian Tribes and the Salem/ Keizer community is critically important to the Siletz Tribe. The Siletz Tribe looks forward to hearing the community’s feedback and encourages participation in the online virtual public meeting scheduled on January 26, 2022, from 6:00 pm until the final comment is heard. For more information about attending, visit https://siletzsalemcasinonepa.com.

The Siletz Casino Project is an initiative to build Oregon’s first gaming facility that will directly share revenue with eight other Oregon Tribes, the State of Oregon and local governments. The casino will be home to 1,200 living wage jobs and provide ample opportunities for local small businesses to thrive. The purpose of the proposed Siletz Casino Project is to facilitate tribal self-sufficiency, self-determination and economic development, thus satisfying the principal goal of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Tribe expects to generate $185 million in annual revenue in the first year of operation, growing to $231 million by the third year. Find out more about the project benefits at www.siletz.org/community.

Based on the analysis and impacts discussed in the EA and comments received during the public review period, the BIA will decide whether to reach a Finding of No Significant Impact, direct further work on the EA or initiate the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.  The Secretary of the Interior will then decide whether the Siletz Casino Project satisfies the requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and issue her determination on whether the project is in the best interest of the Siletz Tribe and not detrimental to the surrounding community.

The Secretary will share her decision, if positive, with the Governor of the State of Oregon. The Governor will have one year to concur or reject the project. During that time, all interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input. For more information about the authorization timeline and process, download this fact sheet.

When all approvals are met, construction of the Siletz Casino Project will commence. It is estimated this could occur in 2024 or 2025. For more information about the project, visit www.siletz.org/casino.

About the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of all the tribes of western Oregon. In the 1800s, Siletz ancestors were removed from their homelands and moved to the Siletz Reservation on the coast. Its tribal headquarters is located in Siletz, Oregon and the Tribe has operated government offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Lincoln City and Siletz for over 40 years. To find out more about the project, visit www.siletz.org.

December 1, 2021 – SALEM, Ore.— New data shows that a strong majority of Salem and Keizer-area residents support the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indian’s plans to build an entertainment property in North Salem. According to a recent poll conducted by DHM Research, 64% of residents support a Salem-area casino, including nearly every demographic group. North and northeast Salem residents are among the most supportive of the project. Furthermore, resident support for the project is similar or higher than a similar study conducted in 2017.

Slated to begin construction in 2024 or 2025, the 180,800 square foot entertainment, gaming and hotel facility is estimated to bring $231 million in gross revenue. Residents surveyed are particularly optimistic about the 1,200 full-time permanent living-wage jobs the project will bring to Salem. In addition, during the two-year construction phase, the project will generate about 2,300 jobs and $141 million in wages, stimulate $492 million in economic impact and produce $54 million in indirect purchases or spending through supply chains in the local economy.

Those surveyed also showed support for the project’s unprecedented revenue sharing agreement that benefits the state and local government, as well as every participating Tribe. In its gaming proposal, the Siletz Tribe is committing to distribute 25% of the net revenue to State and local governments like the City of Salem, and 50% of the net revenue to the other eight Oregon Tribes to support community-based projects and programs.

“The Tribe is grateful for the outpouring of support the Salem and Keizer community has shown for the Siletz Casino Project,” said Dee Pigsley, Tribal Council Chairman, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. “We have a unique opportunity to create thousands of good-paying jobs in Salem, generate millions in economic growth and uplift the lives of Tribal communities across Oregon.”

In addition, respondents support the world-class entertainment and tourism the project will bring to Salem. Project plans include a 180,800 square foot casino with 2,000 gaming devices and 45 table games. The property will also feature a 4-star full-service hotel with 500 rooms, 64,000+ square foot multi-purpose event center, pool, spa, plentiful dining options, nightclub and sports bar. According to the poll, more than half of Salem area adults would visit the casino to recreate – even a few project opponents.

Another reason those surveyed support the project is the significant opportunity to modernize Salem’s infrastructure. Plans include significant modernizations to the roads, public transportation and water systems surrounding the property and construction of affordable housing units in the area. Serving as an anchor development, the property will also drive additional investment in North Salem. The facility will be built on the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indian’s trust property, located off Interstate 5, exit 258, Portland Road.

Area residents are also showing their support via a petition recently launched by the Siletz Tribe. More than 1,500 people have signed the petition to bring the Siletz Casino Project to North Salem in the last four weeks. Those who want to show their support can visit Siletz.org and click Sign the Petition.

Research Methodology
From September 30 to October 7, 2021, DHM Research conducted a hybrid telephone and text- to-online survey of 594 registered voters in the City of Salem and the City of Keizer. The purpose of the survey was to assess familiarity with and support for the Siletz Casino Project.

About the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of all the tribes of western Oregon. In the 1800s, Siletz ancestors were removed from their homelands and moved to the Siletz Reservation on the coast. Its tribal headquarters is located in Siletz, Oregon and the Tribe has operated government offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Lincoln City and Siletz for over 40 years. To find out more about the project, visit Siletz.org.

About DHM
DHM Research has been providing opinion research and consultation throughout the Pacific Northwest and other regions of the United States for over 40 years. The firm is nonpartisan and independent and specializes in research projects to support public policymaking.

November 9, 2021 – The Confederated Tribes of the Siletz is seeking federal authorization under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to construct the Salem Casino Project.  Learn more about the authorization steps and timeline in the below fact sheet.

To download click here.

November 9, 2021 – They say the house always wins, but what if the house is a part of something bigger? The Siletz Casino’s profit-sharing and community-focused business plans ensure that everyone in Salem can benefit from this project. Learn more in the below fact sheet.

To download click here.

May 2, 2017 – Proposed casino in North Salem would give Oregon Tribes the opportunity to come together to generate millions in profit and share an unprecedented 25% of net revenue with government

SALEM, Ore.  — The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon announced a unique partnership that will allow other tribes from throughout the state to join them in opening the state’s first inter-tribal gaming facility. To be located in North Salem, the Siletz and other tribes will share an unprecedented 25 percent of their net gaming revenue with state and local government, while splitting the remaining funds between the participating tribes.

Slated to open in 2024, the approximately 180,800 square foot entertainment, gaming and hotel facility is estimated to bring $185.4 million in gross revenue and 1,500 full-time jobs the first year of operation. You can visit the website dedicated to the Inter-Tribal Partnership Project (The Project) here: www.OregonTribes.com

“We know that when Tribes come together with a shared mission, we achieve more for our community,” said Dee Pigsley, tribal council chairman, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. “As Tribal leaders we have a unique opportunity to make an unprecedented impact on Oregon’s economy and the lives of our Tribal members.”

A recent economic study estimates the overall gaming market for Oregon and eight southern Washington counties will reach $1.6 billion by 2021. This year, the ilani Resort, a $500 million facility owned by the Cowlitz Tribe in Southwest Washington is anticipated to generate $427 million in revenue, largely from Oregon residents.

“As a Tribal community, we have a responsibility to preserve and grow jobs and revenue in Oregon,” said Dee Pigsley, Chairman of the Siletz Tribal Council. “These funds directly support family wage jobs and healthcare, education, environmental, housing and transportation programs throughout the state.”

The facility will be built on the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indian’s reservation property located off of Interstate 5, exit 258, Portland Road. The Siletz Tribe is currently working to expand Tribal participation in the project and communicate with community and public policy leaders about the economic benefits of the facility.