Litigation | Openings & Closings

Cowlitz Tribe casino agreement awaits decision in state court

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

The Cowlitz Tribe finally has a place to call home. A sign was installed along Interstate 5 in Washington on July 20 to mark the exit to the new reservation. Photo from Facebook

Cooperation with the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington is costing the city of La Center, Washington, a lot of money.

The tribe reached a $14 million agreement for the city to provide sewer service to the Cowlitz Casino and Entertainment Resort. Opponents, however, have tied up the matter for nearly four years.

The city is defending the agreement to the tune of $16,000 a month, The Battle Ground Reflector reported. So far, $105,000 has been spent on legal fees this year, the paper said.

Artist's rendering of the proposed Cowlitz Casino Resort in Washington

Artist's rendering of the proposed Cowlitz Casino and Entertainment Resort. Image from Cowlitz Indian Tribe Environmental Impact Statement

At issue is whether the extension of sewer service to the reservation violates the state's growth management regulations. A county superior court judge is set to rule on the matter on August 28, the paper reported.

The tribe has faced legal fights of its own. But significant progress was made in March when the Bureau of Indian Affairs placed 152 acres in trust for the tribe's reservation.

Opponents -- including a rival tribe in neighboring Oregon -- are fighting that decision in federal court.

Get the Story:
Legal costs stress La Center’s sewer budget (The Battle Ground Reflector 8/19)

Federal Register Notice:
Land Acquisitions; Cowlitz Indian Tribe (May 8, 2013)

DOI Solicitor Opinion:
M-37029: The Meaning of "Under Federal Jurisdiction" for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act (March 12, 2014)