Navajos contemplate second casino

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - The Navajo Nation is working toward opening a second tribal casino and last week published a request for proposals seeking architectural plans for a proposed casino in Upper Fruitland, located between Shiprock and Farmington.

The first Navajo casino opened near Gallup in November 2008. Its success has prompted tribal officials to consider building as many as five new casinos.

Besides the Upper Fruitland site, other locations under consideration include Twin Arrows, Ariz., which is 20 miles east of Flagstaff; Pinta Road, located off Interstate 40 near Navajo, Ariz.; Chinle, Ariz., and Hogback, N.M.

The Upper Fruitland casino likely would include a hotel and cost up to $80 million.

Farmington Chamber of Commerce President Dorothy Nobis says the proposed casinos will create jobs and benefit communities off the reservation.

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Information from: The Daily Times