Artist's rendering of the proposed North Fork Rancheria casino. Image from North Fork Casino Environmental Impact Statement
The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California has cleared every federal and state hurdle in its quest for an off-reservation casino but the project faces one last test. A group called Stand Up for California collected more than 800,000 signatures in an effort to put the tribe's Class III gaming compact to a statewide vote. If the initiative is verified -- a process that could take up until January 2014 -- it will go on the ballot in November 2014. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, however, has allowed the compact to go into effect. And the casino site has already been placed in trust. The tribe hasn't said when it will start construction pending review of the ballot initiative. Get the Story:
Indian casino development near Fresno gets Interior department approval (Casino City Times 10/24)
Feds OK North Fork's casino, votes may decide fate (KFSN 10/23) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: North Fork Rancheria Decision | Section 20 Determination: North Fork Rancheria Federal Register Notices:
Indian Gaming (October 22, 2013)
Land Acquisitions; North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California (December 3, 2012) Related Stories:
North Fork Rancheria's off-reservation casino clears BIA hurdle (10/23)
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