The Cowlitz Project is launching a series of community forums to share information about the development of the Cowlitz Tribe’s $510 million casino resort, a $32 million improvement project for the nearby Exit 16 interchange on Interstate 5 to handle additional traffic, and construction of a $15 million water reclamation plant.
The first forum, which will provide a project update and an overview of the water reclamation plant, will be June 30 at La Center Community Center, 1000 E. Fourth St., La Center. There will be two sessions: one from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and another from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Presenters will include:
• Kara Fox-LaRose, president and general manager of the Cowlitz Project.
• William Iyall, chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
• Mike Ollivant, Parametrix, water reclamation system lead engineer.
Dates and times of future forums about the casino and interchange will be announced later.
The Cowlitz Tribe faces opposition from multiple fronts on various facets of its overall project, starting with those who don’t want a casino in the area because it would compete with La Center’s cardrooms and put a strain on schools and housing.
