Indian Country

Church Rock, New Mexico (AP) 6-08

Construction has begun on the Navajo Nation’s first casino – a 27,000-square-foot building that will house 300 slot machines.

The casino, in Church Rock, also will have table games, entertainment and a small cafe.

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. said June 16 during groundbreaking that the casino is a dream come true.

He had signed loan documents April 11 to allow construction to begin.

The documents included a $35 million loan agreement, a promissory note, an architect agreement and a business site lease.

The executive assistant for the tribe’s gaming office, Phefelia Johnson, says the casino should be up and running at the end of October.