PCI Gaming Authority on Wednesday announced plans to build a $246 million gaming resort outside Montgomery.

Construction at Wind Creek Wetumpka has already begun, and the resort, which is likely to be similar to Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, is expected to open in fall 2013.

“We have set very high standards for our Wind Creek Casino and Hotel brand,” said Jay Dorris, president of PCIGA. “This is one of the most beautiful settings imaginable for this kind of first-class resort, and we want it to offer the same kind of quality experience that people have come to expect from Wind Creek in Atmore, which is one of the few hotels in our state with a Four Diamond rating.”

The Poarch Creek Band of Indians has been in a dispute with the Escambia County Commission for months over whether the tribe should owe taxes on its properties near Atmore.

The new resort in Wetumpka will include a 20-story hotel tower with 285 luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites, all of which will overlook the Coosa River. The property will feature a 90,000 square foot gaming floor with more than 2,500 electronic gaming machines, a resort pool, and entertainment rooms suitable for large parties and corporate events.

Wind Creek Wetumpka will also feature a number of dining choices including a grill, a coffee shop, a snack bar, a fine dining restaurant, and a buffet that overlooks the Coosa River.

Tribal officials estimate that 1,200 workers will be hired over the course of construction. Currently, Wetumpka’s Creek Casino employs 400 full-time employees with benefits.

Once completed, the new resort will generate another 600 jobs with benefits bringing the total to 1,000 full-time employees, tribal officials said.

“This project will provide much needed jobs to tribal members and our neighbors in Wetumpka,” said Poarch Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin. “We have seen Wind Creek in Atmore have a very positive ripple effect on the economy, and we look forward to seeing other businesses in the Wetumpka community grow and prosper because of this development.”

This Wind Creek project overlooks Alabama’s Coosa River. It is located on Highway 231 just 9 miles northeast of Montgomery.  The architect for the project is Hnedak Bobo Group and Flintco Construction is the general contractor.