key to achieving the project goals is to work in close cooperation with local government service providers, schools, and other public agencies.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Clark County

Perhaps the best example of our commitment to giving back more than we take is the MOU the Cowlitz Tribe signed with Clark County. In it, the Tribe voluntarily agreed to:

• Compensate the County and local districts for property taxes lost of placing the land into trust
• Pay the equivalent of the County's hotel/motel tax
• Abide by County development and environmental protection ordinances
• pay all fees and mitigation costs of its development.
• Pay county development and processing fees
• Compensate law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney, courts, schools, and fire districts that provide services to the property
• Address traffic and safety issues in conformity with Clark County requirements
• Collect and remit state sales tax as appropriate on all non-indian sales in business enterprises owned and operated by the Tribe on the site.

Separate from the hotel/motel tax, the tribe has also agreed to pay a $2 per occupied room hoteliers fee directly to the Southwest Washington Visitor and Convention Bureau.

In our commitment to being a good neighbor, we believe it is incumbent upon us to pay our share of taxes and fees like any other business in Clark County.

As part of the MOU, we have also committed to contribute 2 percent of net revenues to an education and arts fund for the support of charitable activities in Clark County. The tribe will also contribute $50,000 to a program designated by Clark County and $50,000 to Cowlitz County that address problems associated with gambling.

Working with communities and agencies

The Tribe has had active discussions with the cities of Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, and Woodland, and with Clark and Cowlitz counties. The Tribe is working to form strategic relationships with all these local governments.

Further, our goal is to ensure that  when people come to our resort, that we act as an ambassador to the surrounding community. Indeed, the Tribe understands that it is in our best interest to ensure that resort customers are aware of all  of the amenities Clark County and the greater region has to offer. Enhancing the area’s tourist base is in all of our best interests.  Towards that end the Tribe has been meeting with Chambers of Commerce and visitor and convention bureaus.

We look forward to working with our neighbors and community to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Our intent is to be a pillar of the community that shares its success and enhances the surrounding businesses, the economic opportunity of the area, and its citizens.