PAUMA INDIAN RESERVATION, Pauma Valley, Calif., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of San Diego. The agreement provides financial contributions to the County to be used primarily towards quality of life improvements for County and Tribal residents. The money will also be used to mitigate the possible impacts of the Tribe's new destination casino resort. The agreement is in accordance with the state of California Tribal-State Gaming Compact.

The agreement between the County and the Tribe will allow for the construction of a nineteen story resort casino hotel with 400 rooms.

Under the comprehensive MOU, the Tribe will provide funding to the County that will afford significant upgrades to local roads, an increased public safety presence, an environmentally friendly water conservation program, and expanded fire and life safety capabilities in the valley. Funds will also be used for assistance in overcoming gambling addiction. At a time when state and other funding for local roads is contracting the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians is solidifying a partnership under the MOU to augment those services and road improvements which mitigate the impacts of its casino expansion.

"This agreement demonstrates the Tribe's commitment to participate in a meaningful collaboration with the County in improving the quality of life for the Pauma Valley residents," commented Chairman Chris Devers. "This project will generate hundreds of jobs, create economic growth opportunities for businesses in the area and provide additional resources for local residents. These contributions will help build a safer and more prosperous place for all the people of the valley," Chairman Devers said.

Ultimately, this is a victory for the Tribe and Chairman Devers' administration in securing a healthy and prosperous future for its forthcoming generations.

The Tribe is partnering with Mashantucket Pequots, owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, to build and manage the casino resort.

About the Pauma Band of Mission Indians

Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians is a federally recognized tribal government located in the Pauma Valley of Southern California. The Pauma Band is one of seven Bands of the Luiseno people located in San Diego and Riverside counties. Pauma produces Hass avocados, Valencia oranges and lemons; and is engaged in protection and reforestation of their tribal lands. The Pauma tribe owns and operates Casino Pauma, providing employment to the Tribal Members and the surrounding communities. Its revenues enhance the Tribal Government's ability to meet the essential needs of the membership.

Media Contacts: Joely Proudfit, PR Consultant, Pauma Band of Mission Indians/Naqmayam Communications 951-816-3301 650-255-2860 jproudfit@naqcom.com