A new casino in southern New Mexico may be the next project to be undertaken by the Fort Sill Apache tribe.
The tribe is currently working to complete a 10,000 square foot truck plaza in Akela, New Mexico, some 42 miles to the west of Las Cruces.
What is being called the Chiricahua Plaza will, upon completion in late 2022, include several retail options, convenience store, shower and laundry facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations.
The project is going up at 20885 Frontage Road, off Interstate 10, on previously vacant land.
Now a proposal is being aired for the development of a casino that will house between 80 and 100 slot machines. The gaming facility will be located within an existing 5,800 square foot Fort Sill Apache building.
An exact schedule for when the new casino, which will require state and federal approval, will be built has not yet been announced.
The Fort Sill Apache Tribe is a Federally Recognized Native American Tribe with trust land in New Mexico located within its historic aboriginal lands.
A public comment period on the casino proposal has a July 27th deadline.
By Garry Boulard
