As soon as next summer, motorists may be able to fill up their vehicles, grab a bite to eat and gamble at a proposed truck stop along U.S. Highway 26 in the Madras Industrial Park.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council approved a plan Tuesday to build a truck stop/convenience store on 10 acres the tribes own within the industrial area 3 miles northwest of Madras. The proposal, which was presented to the Tribal Council by the Warm Springs tribal gaming board, Indian Head Casino management and the tribes’ lawyers, includes gas pumps, a restaurant, convenience store and Class II gaming options like video bingo.

“Any activity that gets people off the highway and to the airport, the (Erickson Aircraft Collection) museum, the industrial park, that’s great for all of us,” said Rob Berg, the manager of the Madras Airport. “There’s one truck stop on the other end of town, and it’s overwhelmed.”

The new project could create as many as 60 new jobs, tribal councilors were told, and the truck stop would generate on average at least $2 million net in business a year. Tribal members will have preference in all job hires, Harold Baugus, Indian Head’s general manager, told the tribal-owned newspaper Spilyay Tymoo.

“Growth like this is exciting,” Berg said. “I see it as nothing but positive.”

— Reporter: 541-617-7829,

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