Cocopah Tribe gives more than $60,000 in casino revenue back to communities

  The communities of Somerton and Wellton have hit the jackpot, with each set to receive a sizable government-mandated contribution from the Cocopah Indian Tribe.

  Both communities will receive $29,358 each from the tribe, according to Liz Pratt, spokeswoman for the Cocopah Indian Tribe.

  The Arizona Gaming Compact requires the tribe to make annual
contributions from its casino revenues. Pratt said the tribe is allowed to make contributions at the state level, too, but always chooses to give more locally.

  "The tribe makes donations to communities throughout the year," Pratt said, "but this is the largest single donation the tribe makes each year as a way to give back and to share with the community."

  In the past four years, the Cocopah Indian Tribe has distributed $273,541 in casino revenues, according to Pratt.

  Both Somerton and Wellton have received casino funding in the past, including last year's allocations of $32,743 each. The amount of each year's allocation is determined through the Arizona Gaming Compact, which mandates a certain percentage, according to Pratt.

  The Town of Wellton used last year's allocation to purchase equipment and make building improvements for the town's volunteer fire department, according to Town Manager Rodney Rinehart. A matching program was also created by the town council for eligible nonprofit organizations that serve the Wellton community.

  The City of Somerton is planning to use this year's allocation to create the Somerton Police Department's first K-9 unit, according to Councilman Jose Yepez. He added that Somerton's Parks and Recreation Department will also apply a portion of the funds toward after-school and youth programs. Last year's funds were used to renovate a swimming pool building so it could support the city's boxing program, according to Cliff O'Neill, former Somerton city manager. Funds were also used to install air-conditioning units in the city community center.

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.