Section 20 rules won't affect South Dakota tribes

Monday, March 5, 2007  

Proposed regulations in the way the Bureau of Indian Affairs takes land into trust for casinos won't affect South Dakota, the chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe said.

Chairman Michael Jandreau said tribes won't be able to acquire new land for casinos because Gov. Mike Rounds (R) opposes the expansion of gaming. "The governor is not willing to deal with anybody in that regard," Jandreau told The Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

The tribe has been locked in a battle with the state over the acquisition of 91 acres. The land, however, will not be used for gaming purposes, so the BIA's Section 20 proposal won't have an effect.

No other tribes in South Dakota are currently seeking land away from their casinos for gaming either.

Get the Story:
New rule would have little effect on S.D. tribes (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 3/5)