New steps taken toward Chickasaw casino resort in Marshall Co., part of Pointe Vista area

New steps are being taken toward the new casino and resort proposed by the Chickasaw Nation on the shores of Lake Texoma.

It is called the Kingston Casino Resort project and it includes a more-than 9,600 square foot gaming floor, a 40 room hotel and 10 rental cabins.

It will also include retail space and restaurants as part of a sprawling planned development called Pointe Vista, all on the east side of Marshall County.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs released a

in March that examined the effects of developing the just-under 62-acre property on the environment.

The Chickasaw Nation said they bought the land. However, it needs to be placed into federal trust status, so they can legally operate a casino there under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs in Oklahoma said the next step is to address any public comments made on their report and then the proposal heads to the Office of Indian Gaming.

The report said the casino would generate 174 jobs total and have an estimated $58 million economic impact the first year.

In 2006, Pointe Vista promised luxury living spaces and began construction by tearing down the Lake Texoma lodge.

However, the project was halted in 2008 due to the recession.

In January,

Skybridge Real Estate and Development in Oklahoma City was seeking investors and moving forward with building houses, town homes and condos near the casino as part of the Pointe Vista Community.

Skybridge says they are working to secure funding. The casino plans to built in one phase starting 2020.