Judge won't support annexation of Tohono O'odham gaming site

Friday, July 1, 2011  

A federal judge won't let the state of Arizona annex land owned by the Tohono O'odham Nation.

The state enacted a law that would have allowed the city of Glendale to annex the tribe's off-reservation casino site without the tribe's consent. But Judge David Campbell said the effort conflicts with federal law, which takes precedence.

The tribe owns 135 acres near Glendale. The decision means the tribe can use the entire site for the proposed West Valley Resort.

Campbell has already ruled that the Bureau of Indian Affairs can place 54 acres in trust. The decision is being appealed.

Get the Story:
Judge nixes lawmakers' attempt to prevent reservation expansion (Capitol Media Services 6/30)
Ariz. law aimed at halting casino near Glendale struck down (The Arizona Republic 7/1)
Westside Insider: Tribal chairman thanks casino supporters at re-election reception (The Arizona Republic 7/1)

Related Stories:
Lawsuit on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino continues (6/16)
City hires two firms to fight Tohono O'odham Nation casino (6/1)
Salt River Tribe opposes Tohono O'odham Nation casino bid (5/27)
Foes of Tohono O'odham Nation casino gather signatures (5/24)
City votes to appeal ruling in Tohono O'odham casino case (5/11)
Tohono O'odham Nation casino on hold pending 9th Circuit (5/5)
Mixed rulings in Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino bid (5/4)