The North Fork Rancheria project is distinguished by its strong local support, its emphasis on collaboration, its adherence to the intent and letter of the law and its goal of improving the lives of all Madera County residents. The Tribe has voluntarily negotiated and entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Madera County, the City of Madera and the Madera Irrigation District totaling more than $100 million over 20 years to proactively address and mitigate impacts of the proposed project.

Madera County

In August 2004, the comprehensive MOU was approved unanimously by the Madera County Board of Supervisors. In August 2005, the Board strengthened its commitment by formally endorsing the project. The MOU stipulates that the Tribe will contribute approximately $87 million to the County over 20 years to fund police, fire and emergency services and to mitigate potential impacts that will benefit the county as well as the cities of Madera and Chowchilla. The MOU also establishes new tribal/community foundations to invest in local charitable causes, education and economic development.

The City of Madera

The MOU signed with the City of Madera in October, 2006, includes additional voluntary contributions of more than $27.8 million over 20 years to City to fund projects that will improve the lives of Madera residents and mitigate possible impacts of proposed development. Significant one-time and annual contributions will support local public safety, land use planning, roads, recreational opportunities, downtown revitalization, water conservation, and the City transit system.

The Madera Irrigation District

In December, 2006, the North Fork Rancheria signed a MOU with the MID which including mechanisms to offset water-related impacts of proposed development. These included annual contributions in lieu of lost taxes and for aquifer recharge; monitoring of water usage and additional offsets in the event that the resort’s water use exceeds usage criteria; recognition of neighbors’ Right to Farm; and the creation of a Water and Agricultural Advisory Committee to promote local agriculture.

The North Fork Rancheria project complies with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) policy for new tribal trust acquisitions by successfully negotiating a local mitigation agreement with the County and the support of County.

Furthermore, the North Fork Rancheria project offers the promise of economic vitality for the Tribe, the community and the state through the creation of living-wage/full-benefit jobs, sustained charitable contributions and significant shared revenues.