Red Hawk’s deal with state goes to Assembly

SACRAMENTO — The state Senate has approved a revised agreement with the Indian tribe that owns the struggling Red Hawk Casino.

Gov. Jerry Brown negotiated the new compact last fall with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The tribe owns the Red Hawk Casino, which officially opened in December 2008 just as the national recession began.

Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Rocklin, said his bill will let the tribe restructure and refinance its debt while retaining about 1,400 jobs in El Dorado County.

AB1267 would let the tribe reduce its payments for several years before requiring that it eventually pay the state 15 percent of the casino’s net winnings.

The bill passed unanimously and without debate Thursday, and now goes to the Assembly.

— AP