Cherokee Nation Unveils Major Expansion Plans For Its Catoosa Casino

Thursday, January 11th 2007, 9:57 am

By: News On 6

Big news for the town of Catoosa, a multi-million dollar expansion is in the works at the Cherokee Casino. The project will mean more hotel rooms, more games and hundreds of new jobs. Details were released Thursday about how the growth will impact the area.

The News on 6's Heather Lewin says business is booming at the Cherokee Casino. But with near 90-percent occupancy in the hotel year round, officials say serving the high volume of customers is a challenge. They decided it was time to grow.

The plans call for a 20-story tower with 200 rooms, mostly high-end suites, convention space that will seat a thousand and new restaurants. A $125-million expansion project.

Cherokee Nation Enterprises CEO David Stewart: "Now we are the premiere resort destination which will bring people from out of state and the region into Oklahoma which brings out of state dollars."

Cherokee Nation chief Chad Smith: "We're excited because it means another 450 jobs, with health insurance, fringe packages, that's 450 people that can support themselves and their families."

But with growth often comes traffic congestion. Some worry the casino has already outgrown it's access. Nearby property has been purchased by the casino. The truck stops have been shut down in an effort to lessen semi traffic. The land will be donated back to the state for an easement for roadway improvements. A

s for the highway itself, state officials say the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is responsible for easing the congestion there, not the casino. ODOT is currently drawing up plans to redo the interchange, state Highway 66 and access ramps, but work likely won't begin before 2010.

Casino officials say the Cherokee expansion will increase surrounding property values and boost the area economy. Chad Smith: "And as the adage goes, the rising tide raises all ships and we see that happening here in Catoosa and Tulsa."

ODOT officials say the Cherokee Nation has donated more than $10-million in recent months to the state for current highway projects.

Work at the casino should break ground in the next three months and be finished by 2008.