By Bob Walter - Bee Columnist
Shut up and dig: It won't be New Year's Day, but the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is planning a celebration early in 2007 -- groundbreaking for its $200 million casino off Highway 50.
Elaine Whitehurst, a tribal council member and occasional spokeswoman, said they are working on piles of paperwork and contracts. But the tribe is hopeful that Rancho Cordova-based developer and bridge builder C.C. Myers Inc. can start building a construction road early next year.
"We are trying to prepare for a groundbreaking ... maybe in February," Elaine said. "We are so excited."
Construction of the 83,000-square-foot casino (with five restaurants, three bars and a child care center) will coincide with development of a $45 million interchange on Highway 50 -- also funded by the tribe -- that will allow direct access to the site.
After nearly seven years of wrangling, the tribe reached agreement with El Dorado County in September that allows construction of the casino in exchange for at least $190 million in payments to the county over 20 years.
Groundbreaking nears for casino
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