Omak casino construction to start this spring

The Colville Tribes new Omak Casino could open as early as May or June in 2015, according to Colville Tribal Federal Corporation’s chief executive, Joe Pakootas.

Pakootas said final planning could occur this week and it was hoped that the project could get underway in April or early May.

Pakootas said that the casino would take about 12 months to complete.

The casino will be located on a 600-acre site between the Tribes’ convenience store/gas outlet and Omak. Pakootas said the casino would take up about 35 acres of the 600-acre site.

The project will be constructed by Taylor/Woods Construction out of Minnesota.

Pakootas said the project will cost just over $41 million.

Included in the project is a 52,000-square-foot casino, a restaurant and a buffet area.

The gambling area will be nearly double that of the Tribes’ Mill Bay operation.

Also in the complex will be an 80-room hotel.

Pakootas said the plans are about 90 percent complete and in line with a spring construction schedule.