The Bureau of Indian Affairs has once again approved a casino for the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington. The BIA issued a new record of decision to take 152 acres in trust for the tribe. The land will be used for the Cowlitz Casino Resort. The new ROD was required after a federal judge faulted the BIA's handling of the tribe's land-into-trust application on procedural grounds. Opponents are trying to block the casino, citing the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. The decision prevents the BIA from placing land in trust for tribes that weren't "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934. The Cowlitz didn't gain federal recognition until 2000. Get the Story:
Decision favors Cowlitz Tribe's casino plans (The Columbian 5/9)
Latest ruling clears way for Cowlitz casino, but expect more legal fights (KATU 5/8)
BIA issues new decision in favor of Cowlitz Tribe’s casino effort (The Battle Ground Reflector 5/8) Federal Register Notice:
Land Acquisitions; Cowlitz Indian Tribe (May 8, 2013) District Court Decision:
Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde v. Salazar (March 13, 2013)
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