SPOKANE COUNTY, May 5, 2021– Following the departure of Spokane County Raceway operator, Raceway Investments, LLC, the Kalispel Tribe has made an offer to acquire the Spokane County Raceway, which may lead to its eventual reopening to the public. The Kalispel Tribe through its business ventures operates the neighboring Northern Quest Resort and Casino and other nearby businesses.
As offered, the 243+/- acre Spokane County Raceway property would be sold to the Kalispel Tribe for $4,750,000.00, which includes the land, buildings, and some business-related equipment. Pursuant to Washington State Law (RCW 39.33.010 et seq.), Spokane County may sell county property directly to a federally recognized Tribe, by declaring the property “surplus” and holding a public hearing on the proposed sale. Spokane County is required to notify the City of Airway Heights of this offer, as they hold a First Right of Refusal granted in 2011, on one (1) of three (3) parcels subject to sale. The First Right of Refusal was granted as a part of a collaborative agreement which included the extension of City potable water and sanitary sewer services to the site. The City of Airway Heights shall have 30-days to exercise or terminate its option.
Spokane County acquired the Spokane County Raceway at auction in 2007. Since that time, the raceway has been operated by three operators, most recently by Raceway Investments, LLC. On March 2nd, 2021, Spokane County terminated the Operator’s Agreement with Raceway Investments, LLC at the request of its owner, Craig Smith.