The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Prior Lake is financing the expansion of the Upper Sioux Community's Prairie's Edge Casino Resort.

"The Upper Sioux Community would like to thank the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for their continued support of our nation," said Upper Sioux Community Board Chairman Kevin Jensvold. "Through your generosity and commitment to assist other tribes, our casino-hotel project can move forward, and will allow the Upper Sioux Community to better attain our financial goals, thus improving the quality of life for our nation."

The $9 million loan and $1 million grant will fund the construction of 80 new hotel rooms, 15,000 square feet of meeting and casino space and renovations to the existing casino.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has a history of funding economic development projects. In 2009, the tribe issued $129 million in development funds, and this year so far the tribe has loaned $54 million.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.