California governor negotiates compact with Graton Rancheria

Wednesday, October 5, 2011  

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) is reportedly negotiating a Class III gaming compact with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Neither side will confirm the status of the talks but apparently they've been ongoing. The effort moved forward after the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's land-into-trust application for 254 acres.

"We're obligated to negotiate with the tribe in good faith," a spokesperson for the governor told The Rohnert Park Patch. "We will not disclose the status of a compact because it's confidential, but once it's signed, it will be announced and we will make available the compact itself."

The BIA hasn't heard anything so far either. "We have received no word that the state and the tribe have come to a final agreement, so the compact — as far as we know — is still being negotiated," a spokesperson said.

The tribe was recognized by an act of Congress in 2000. The law dictated where the tribe could acquire land.

Get the Story:
Does Rohnert Park Need a Casino? (The Rohnert Park Patch 10/4)

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Casino foes argue Graton Rancheria land not eligible for gaming (10/21)
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