Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe moving forward with casino

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) – The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe is taking the first steps toward building a new casino and resort in the Prescott area.

The Yavapai Gaming Agency said Friday the tribe is conducting soil sampling at the site to make sure it is suitable for construction.

The casino would be built at the northeast corner of Highway 69 and the Yavpe Connector.

The next phase will be choosing a firm to design and build the property.

Tribe President Ernest Jones Sr. says the project could have an economic impact of around $80 million for the region.

Officials say the proposed resort will have 80 rooms, a state-of-the-art casino and restaurants.

The tribe already owns two casinos in Prescott.