Cowlitz Tribe criticizes opponents of casino

Thursday, June 17, 2004  

Commissioners in Cowlitz County, Washington, to voted unanimously on Tuesday to seek more information about the Cowlitz Tribe's plans for 152 acres.

Chris Depres, a tribal official, had urged commissioners not to get involved in the controversy over the tribe's plans. Critics say the casino will hurt local businesses and cause damage to the environment.

But the commission said it would ask the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct an environmental impact statement of the plan. The tribe's study is not detailed enough, officials said.

The tribe's federal recognition was finalized in 2000. The land would be the tribe's initial reservation.

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Tribe blasts casino critics (The Longview Daily News 6/16)