Casino site uranium-free
Construction of new facility puts many Navajo to work

Bernard Benally, foreground, works to finish concrete on the foundation of the Fire Rock Casino in Churchrock. [courtesy photo]

By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

CHURCHROCK — Soil being used by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise for construction of its Fire Rock Casino parking lot has been analyzed and shown to be free of any uranium radiation contamination.

Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Stephen B. Etsitty said Friday that his agency’s Superfund Program conducted a surface radiological survey of the Becenti Trails Road borrow pit and determined the soil is safe to use.

In a July 18 letter to Navajo Nation Resources Committee Chairman George Arthur, who asked for the soil testing, Etsitty said his program surveyed a 2-acre area and conducted 70 readings from 35 sampling locations.

“Sixty-two of the readings were equal to or below the determined background (level of radiation),” Etsitty wrote.

“This information leads me to conclude that no further investigation is required regarding the presence of uranium contaminated soils at the Becenti Trails Road Borrow Pit.”

Though Arthur stated in a July 10 meeting of the Resources Committee that it was his understanding construction of the casino was going to come to a halt, no work stoppage has occurred, according to Ray Etcitty, legal counsel for the Navajo Gaming Enterprise.

“They’ve drilled and set 50 pillars 50 feet deep for the administrative building,” he said. Cement for the bingo hall and casino area have been poured and work on the foundation walls is now under way.

According to a news release, 53 of the 70 jobs related to site development have been filled by Navajos, and the company contracted to erect the structure will be hiring at least 15 Navajos.

This week, construction crews are finalizing foundation work and the outlining of electrical, water, and sewer lines.
“Once the foundation is poured, construction of the actual structure moves along very quickly,” said Adam Kennedy, president of Kennedy Wendel, joint venture partner of construction management. “We are moving swiftly and efficiently in order to comply with our partner, the Navajo Nation, in building a top-notch casino.”

Kennedy said he is impressed by the immense support and interest from the community. “We’ve had a tremendous response from the community at our job fairs and my phone has been ringing off the hook with people interested in working construction for the casino.

“Clearly, this community is interested in the work, and we are happy to provide them with jobs,” he said.

Renee Martin, Human Resources director for the Navajo Gaming Enterprise, is busy processing thousands of applications from people who want to work at the casino. Job openings include food and beverage positions, slots positions, table games dealers, maintenance staff, security officers and administration/ management staff.

“We look highly upon industry experience, but offer a comprehensive training program for individuals who don’t have that previous experience,” Martin said. “Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise is working in partnership with Navajo Nation Workforce Development to train and prepare individuals to open Fire Rock Casino.”

Architectural design for the casino is led by Dyron Murphy Architects, P.C., a Navajo-owned architectural firm based in Albuquerque.

Though originally projected to open in mid-October, the Grand Opening date is now set for Nov. 14. People interested in employment can call (505) 722-8358, ext. 109.