Tribe's Bay Area casino proposal stirs debate

Tuesday, February 8, 2005  

The Lower Lake Rancheria Koi Nation says a casino in Oakland, California, will save its culture while providing jobs and revenues for the local community.

The landless tribe is seeking approval to have land near the Oakland International Airport placed in trust. The tribe envisions a 35-acre entertainment facility with 2,000 slot machines that will create 4,400 jobs and to add $1 billion annually to Oakland’s economy.

Some residents and local officials aren't so sure. They say a casino will hurt the economically-depressed area. The city council has already voted against the idea.

The Koi Nation was placed back on the list of federally recognized entities in January 2001 after the Bureau of Indian Affairs determined that the tribe was never terminated.

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Cities See High Stakes In Casino Deal (The Daily Californian 2/8)