Yakama leaders hear Franklin County possible Pasco casino proposal
By Ronnie Washines
--Yakama Nation Review
TOPPENISH, Wash. – Franklin County officials sent a representative Aug. 4 to present an idea for the Yakama Tribal Council to consider moving forward with to open a casino in Pasco, Wash.
Franklin County Administrator Brian R. Dansel told the tribal council that the county is willing to enter into a partnership with the Yakama Nation to turn its HAPO Center into a tribal casino.
“Pasco is a prime location for a casino,” he said.
The 85,000 square foot HAPO Center largest venues are currently a 39,000 square foot exposition hall and 43,000 square foot arena, which are separated by an atrium containing conference rooms, office space and restrooms.
In comparison, the Yakama Legends Casino gaming area is currently 87,000 square feet.
The HAPO Center campus also includes an ice pavilion and an RV park.
Franklin County and the City of Pasco had a 30-year partnership agreement to operate the facility, which included adjacent sports fields, which the county is currently in separate negotiations. That pact expired last May and Franklin County Commissioners voted to take full control of it all.
Since then, the county has been exploring new uses for the facilities, thus bringing them to the Yakama Nation.
