$stalker Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, dropped their legal challenge to a memorandum of understanding with the Cowlitz Tribe.

The county signed the MOU to provide services to the tribe's proposed casino. But legal questions arose because parts of the agreement conflict with the county's growth plan, which prohibits gaming.

The Washington Court of Appeals eventually ruled that the MOU amends and supersedes the growth plan. The county won't appeal the decision and won't enforce a provision related to water.

The tribe was recognized through the Bureau of Indian Affairs process in 2000. The tribe's land-into-trust application for the 152-acre casino site qualifies for an exception under Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

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No appeal on casino ruling (The Columbian 12/7)