The Pinoleville Pomo Nation’s quest for a casino just north of Ukiah cleared another major hurdle Monday when the state Legislature ratified its gaming compact with the governor.

All that’s left is to complete an environmental impact document and an agreement with Mendocino County officials, said casino project manager Michael Canales.

“That’s being done as we speak,” he said.

He expects construction to begin as early as next year for an estimated $50 million, 90,000 square foot casino at the site of a former car dealership on North State Street, located across Highway 101 from the Pinoleville Rancheria.

The tribe does not own the 8.8-acre site but it holds a lease-purchase option to do so, Canales said.

The land is not in federal trust for the 240-member tribe, a requirement for casinos. But Canales said that’s not required because the land is within the tribe’s historic footprint.

The 54-1 vote on Monday in the Assembly allows the Pinoleville Pomo Nation to operate a casino with up to 900 slot machines through 2030.

Canales said the number of slot machines it will operate has not been determined.

In exchange for a gaming compact, the tribe has agreed to give the state 15 percent of its winnings. The pact, signed by the governor in March 2009, was approved earlier by the state Senate.

Democratic Assemblyman Joe Coto of San Jose said the compact will help the tribe fight high unemployment, poor housing conditions and poverty.

The tribe is working with a Pennsylvania investor and investigating loan options to fund the casino, Canales said.