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Mohawk deal crucial for tribe MAY 3, 2000 On Monday, Park Place Entertainment announced its purchase of Kutsher's Resort Hotel and Country Club near Monticello, New York. The company wants to develop 50 acres of the site for a Mohawk casino.

Photo © AP

Federal review of the plan could take years, critics and government representatives say. The tribe and another partner, Catskill Development, had received BIA approval in April to bring a parcel of land at the Monticello Raceway in Monticello into trust for the tribe. By bringing the land into trust, the tribe would be able to develop a casino there. It had taken three years for the BIA to approve the request. In contrast, the Park Place plan includes land that is not within the already approved area, so another review could take as long or more. Former Mohawk chief Phil Tarbell believes nothing will occur in the next five years. The next five years could prove to be crucial for the tribe. As part of its deal with Park Place, signed April 14, the tribe receives $3 million in cash. But the tribe has to pay that money back if no casino is developed. The plan also calls for Park Place to begin construction within three years, the amount of time it took for the BIA to approve the initial request. As a member of the tribe's gaming council, Tarbell also said the tribe still plans to go ahead with the original plan with Catskill Development as partner. Tarbell and other Mohawks who oppose the Park Place deal filed suit against the company in tribal court last week. The group seeks a total of $12 billion from the company. Staff and news wires contributed to this report. Related Stories: Mohawk casino details revealed (Money Matters 5/3) Mohawk casino would compete with Atlantic City (Money Matters 5/3) Mohawk partner buys resort (Money Matters 5/2) Mohawks file $12B gaming suit (Tribal Law 4/27) Mohawks divided over casino (Money Matters 4/26) Editorial: Not All Mohawks Applaud Monticello Casino Plans (Doug George-Kanentiio. The Talking Circle. 4/17)