Lawmaker drafts bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino

Tuesday, September 13, 2011  

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) has drafted a bill to block the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening an off-reservation casino.

In 1986, Congress enacted the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act. The law compensated the tribe for the flooding of its reservation and allowed the tribe to select replacement lands.

Pursuant to the law, the tribe purchased 135 acres near Glendale. The tribe plans to use the land for the West Valley Resort.

The project has generated significant controversy in Arizona, with most politicians opposing it. But the tribe has won a series of court rulings to allow the land to be placed in trust.

Franks has yet to introduce his bill, the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. But it would bar gaming on land acquired in connection with the 1986 law.

Get the Story:
Trent Franks drafting bill to stop Tohono O’dham casino (The Phoenix Business Journal 9/13)

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Mayor says Tohono O'odham Nation doesn't need to run casino (8/18)
Panel discusses Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino (8/11)
Panel to discuss Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino (8/8)
Ned Norris: Tohono O'odham Nation confirms right to build casino (7/19)