Effect of Section 20 rules on Warm Springs debated

Friday, May 23, 2008  

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs of Oregon don't think the new Section 20 rules will affect an off-reservation casino project.

The tribes are pursuing a casino under the two-part determination process of Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The rules define criteria for these types of projects.

The rules require the Bureau of Indian Affairs to consult with local governments and nearby tribes within a 25-mile radius of the gaming site. That replaces an internal policy for a 10-mile radius

"We're trying to figure out which communities would have to comment," said Len Bergstein, a consultant for the tribe, told The Columbian. "We don't think it will have a significant impact. Almost every jurisdiction that has commented so far has commented favorably."

The Section 20 review is separate from the land-into-trust process. The BIA adopted a new policy in January that makes it harder to acquire land for off-reservation casinos.

The proposed Cascade Locks Resort & Casino is about 69 miles from the northwestern border of the reservation.

Get the Story:
New siting rules could affect gorge casino (The Columbian 5/23)