Los Coyotes Band not worried about off-reservation gaming bill

Tuesday, August 2, 2011  

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians of California isn't worried about S.1424, a bill to restrict off-reservation gaming.

The tribe is pursuing a casino in Barstow, more than 100 miles from the reservation. The bill, if enacted, would require the Bureau of Indian Affairs to consider the impact on the local community during the review process.

The tribe has entered into a municipal services agreement with Barstow. Local officials also support the casino so the city is “more than covered,” a tribal spokesperson told The Desert Dispatch.

The BIA is reviewing the casino under the two-part determination section of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The bill, which was introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) , would replace that section with an entirely new set of standards and conditions.

The BIA is taking comments on the environmental impact statement for the casino until September 14.

Get the Story:
Bill would require analysis of off-reservation projects (The Desert Dispatch 8/2)
San Diego tribe is still trying for Barstow casino (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/2)
Barstow city leaders, Los Coyotes tribe see mutual benefit in casino (The North County Times 8/1)
Tribes fight casino plan (The Redlands Daily Facts 7/31)

Federal Register Notice:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians' 23-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, CA (July 1, 2011)

Big turnout for hearing on Los Coyotes off-reservation casino (7/29)
Sen. McCain introduces bill to restrict off-reservation casinos (7/28)
BIA hosts public hearing on Los Coyotes off-reservation casino (7/28)
Los Coyotes Band lobbies governor on off-reservation casino plan (7/20)
BIA sets public hearing on Los Coyotes off-reservation casino (7/11)