The Pechanga Band of Lusenio Indians will give millions to the city of Temecula for a freeway interchange project and a full-time police officer.

The tribe said it was giving Temecula $4 million to help improve the Interstate 15/Highway 79 interchange, which is used by thousands of drivers to get to its resort and casino in the area. It is also giving $185,000 to the city for one, full-time officer to direct traffic around the resort.

Temecula and Pechanga have been at odds over how much the tribe should pay for the impact its operation has on the city's infrastructure. A federal judge recently threw out the city's lawsuit against the tribe over the issue.

Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro said in a news release the tribe had "no intention of turning our back on the community," despite the lawsuit.
— JOHN F. HILL
johnhill@PE.com