Colville Tribes receive $200,000 grant to study former casino site

OKANOGAN — The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will receive $200,000 in grant funding to assess the potential redevelopment of the Old Okanogan Casino-Bingo Hall.

The grant is part of a $2 million initiative by the Washington State Department of Commerce to expand the state's portfolio of project-ready industrial sites and attract manufacturing activity to rural areas.

The funds will support a comprehensive evaluation of the former casino property, including a rail improvement study, electrical feasibility study, traffic analysis, water supply assessment, wastewater infrastructure assessment, and market study.

This project is one of eight selected across Washington to receive grants ranging from $200,000 to $350,000. The initiative aligns with the state's goal to add 300,000 new manufacturing jobs over the next decade, as outlined in the 2021 Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) Act.

Commerce Director Mike Fong said, "We're delighted to award these grants to support some exciting projects envisioned in rural communities around the state. These sites have the potential to attract manufacturers with good jobs that can be a catalyst for additional economic activity."

The Colville Tribes' project represents an opportunity to repurpose an existing structure for potential industrial or manufacturing use. Specific plans for the site have not been disclosed.

State officials expect these investments to make Washington more competitive in attracting businesses and create economic opportunities in rural areas like Okanogan County.