By Nina Cote
Sonoma County residents are accustomed to the risks that wildfires pose. Earlier this year, we experienced a wildfire that prompted emergency responders to contain it swiftly. That forced residents into the all-too-familiar position of standing by for a potential evacuation order.
This recent example underscores why it is so imperative that proposed development projects anticipate strained evacuation routes before bringing more congestion to our roads. The Koi Nation’s proposal to construct the Shiloh Resort and Casino ignores this responsibility.
The casino would sit on a major evacuation route outside the town of Windsor, which is susceptible to fast-moving wildfires. When a wildfire occurs, an evacuation warning could quickly turn into a mandatory evacuation order if the winds shift. Downplaying these risks without thorough analysis jeopardizes emergency response efforts and endangers 26,000 Windsor residents.
Supporters of the Koi Nation’s project say the casino will bring economic benefits to the community. However, this project should not come at the expense of the people who call Sonoma County home.
Our elected leaders agree. Windsor officials oppose the casino, telling the Bureau of Indian Affairs that it may take longer for residents to evacuate the area if the casino is developed and a wildfire occurs. Wildfires move at an unpredictable pace, and the additional time it takes for residents to evacuate is a matter of life and death.
However, supporters of the Koi Nation’s casino have failed to acknowledge those concerns and more. Construction of the casino will imperil wildlife habitats. Also, the increased traffic around the casino will increase emissions, deteriorating our air quality.
An inadequate analysis of these concerns and our community’s strong opposition to the casino should give the federal government pause. Yet, it appears that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is advancing the review process without meaningfully addressing community concerns.
We are encouraged that our elected representatives stand with our community and oppose this dangerous proposal. We urge Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to listen to our concerns and oppose the Koi Nation’s proposed casino project.
Nina Cote is an advocate for Our Community Matters and a resident of the town of Windsor.
