Graton Rancheria gaming opponents to file federal lawsuit

Friday, September 14, 2012  

Opponents of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California plan to file a lawsuit in federal court aimed at blocking the tribe's casino.

The tribe started construction of the facility after the Bureau of Indian Affairs finalized its land-into-trust application. A group called Stop the Casino 101 Coalition plans to challenge the land-into-trust process, Rohnert Park Patch reported.

Marilee Montgomery, a spokesperson for the group, said "the federal government may hold title [but] it does not hold trust to the land."

The tribe was restored to federal recognition by an act of Congress in 2000. The law mandated BIA to take land into trust for the tribe.

Get the Story:
Casino Opponents Prepare to Challenge Department of Interior in Court (Rohnert Park Patch 9/13)

Graton Rancheria secures $850M in financing for casino project (08/17)