The Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund awarded $140,772.33 to Mendocino County agencies this year. All eight applicants were awarded funds, according to David Grim of the Mendocino County Executive Office.
“Historically most of the money goes to the fire districts,” Grim said.
The Mendocino County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee determines how local money is distributed. The committee is comprised of officials from around Mendocino County. Willits City Councilmen Ron Orenstein and Larry Stranske are the two local representatives on the committee.
“We’re very pleased that funds will go toward a variety of activities to assist communities affected by gaming,” said Dan Hamburg, committee chair. “Awards will support law enforcement, victim’s witness assistance, a summer youth program, and water infrastructure improvements, in addition to fire protection and emergency medical equipment.”
This year the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office each received $39,637.06; the Hopland Fire Protection District received $13,795.69; the Long Valley Fire Protection District and the Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Department each received $12,395.68; the Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency received $3,500; and the Little Lake Fire Protection District received $2,800.
The State Controller’s Office distributes a percentage of gaming fees generated by participating tribal casinos into county administered special funds. Each fund was created to mitigate the impact of tribal gaming on local agencies. In Mendocino County only the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians participates in this program.
