City might repeal resolution against Cowlitz casino plan

Wednesday, April 21, 2010  

The city council in La Center, Washington, might repeal a resolution against the proposed Cowlitz Tribe casino.

But Mayor Jim Irish said repealing the resolution doesn't mean the city supports the Cowlitz Casino Resort. He wants to make sure the city doesn't stand in the way of other economic development projects in the gaming site area.

“This decision was made to enhance the business atmosphere around the I-5 junction, La Center’s junction, for economic diversification and development,” Irish told The Columbian. “It wasn’t a subversive effort to give BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) some favorable decision.”

In May 2008, the Bureau of Indian Affairs published a final environmental impact statement in favor of taking land into trust for the casino. But the Bush administration never took final action on the project.

The acquisition now faces questions under the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar because the tribe didn't gain formal federal recognition until 2000.

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La Center City Council may repeal resolution opposing Cowlitz casino (The Columbian 4/20)