By Ed Fletcher, Sacrament Bee

A Placer County committee charged with distributing funds aimed at mitigating the effects of Indian gaming has been allocated $66,694 to distribute to local government agencies.

The Placer County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee receives the money from a special state Controller’s fund aimed at offsetting the impact of Indian gaming.

Agencies impacted by gaming must apply to the committee by April 4 for grants.

Separately, Thunder Valley casino gives $100,000 annually to local charitable organizations, said Doug Elmets, a spokesman for the United Auburn Indian Community, which own and operates the casino. Additionally, the tribe’s community giving fund has contributed $9 million since 2004, Elmets said.