About 180 people attended a public forum to discuss the new casino sought by the Nooksack Tribe of Washington.

Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said the casino will generate new traffic and lead to drunken driving. He said the county's roads won't be able to handle the impact.

Tom Grey, the executive director of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, said the casino will generate more addiction and lead to more crime, corruption and bankruptcy.

The tribe is building the Northwood Crossing Casino on trust land. Local officials largely have no say over the proposal.

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Positive impacts of new casino questioned (The Bellingham Herald 9/15)