Grants to be given to mitigate tribal gaming

AuburnJournal.com

Placer County's Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee (LCBC) has begun accepting applications for grants to local government agencies to mitigate the effects of tribal gaming.

The grant funds will come from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund established by the slate and are based on an assessment on tribal gaming machines that were in place prior to 1999. In Placer County, grant funding this year is expected to total about $470,000. The 2005 grant total was $383,000.

The LCBC, in conjunction with the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), will recommend to the State Controller's Office on what applications should be awarded grants. Priorities for funding have been established by the state, and include such things as law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, environmental impacts, youth programs, health, water supplies, waste disposal and roads.

The County, its cities, and special districts within the County affected by tribal gaming are eligible to apply for grants.

Applications and additional information are available on the Placer County web site .

Agencies may also call the Placer County Executive Office at (530) 889-4042. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on March 24, 2006.