The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California marked a major milestone in the construction of its long-awaited casino and resort project last week with the topping out of the final steel beam on the structure’s external frame.
The ceremony, held on the tribe’s federal trust land along California State Highway 99 just north of the City of Madera, recognized the construction, design, and development teams, as well as North Fork Rancheria tribal leaders and staff.
“Today, we celebrate the amazing trades and construction workers, as well as our construction and management partners,” said North Fork Rancheria Tribal Chairman Fred Beihn.
The North Fork Mono Casino & Resort has been projected since the early 2000s. In 2012, the U.S. Department of the Interior took the land into trust and approved it for gaming. Later in 2016, the federal government authorized the tribe to conduct Class III gaming on the site. Those decisions were upheld in federal court, clearing the way for the project to move forward.
“We’ve come a long way from 1966 when the Feds terminated our Rancheria’s trust status and distributed our land in fee, and from 1983 when our recognized status was restored but without land for the tribal government,” said Elaine Bethel Fink, Tribal Council Member and President of the Economic Development Authority Board.
“Our tribe worked long and hard to right these historical injustices and be where we are today,” she added.
The tribe broke ground on the casino in September 2023. When completed, the resort will be owned by the tribe and managed by an affiliate of Station Casinos.
The property will operate 24/7 for guests 21 and over. Plans include 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games, two full-service restaurants, six quick-serve dining options, 3,000 parking spaces, and free valet parking. There will also be designated areas for RVs, trucks, and buses.
Tribal Treasurer Maryann McGovran emphasized the collaborative efforts between North Fork Rancheria and the City of Madera, highlighting their shared commitment to creating jobs, business opportunities, and community investment.
Additionally, Tribal Secretary Christina McDonald expressed gratitude to the tribe’s local, state, and federal government partners, as well as Station Casinos, the Fertitta family, and North Fork tribal citizens for their continued support.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/03/11/97821-california-39s-north-fork-rancheria-tribe-holds-topping-out-ceremony-for-casino-resort-project
