Oregon couple a roadblock to tribal casino plan

Monday, April 18, 2005  

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians has big plans to develop land around its casino but an Oregon couple is standing in the way.

The tribe and the state have struck a deal to relocate a state rest stop to land owned by the tribe. The deal will save the state millions and will bring visitors to the tribe's casino, which the tribe plans on expanding with an RV park and other development.

But Clarice and Harvey Denison are driving a hard bargain. They own 11 acres that are key to the plan and say they want the best price for their land.

The tribe has already paid the Denisons $2 million for 500 acres. The state is negotiating to buy the 11 acres for a suggested price of $950,000.

Get the Story:
Hard-nosed bargaining slows tribe's casino plan (The Oregonian 4/18)