Eastern Cherokees need federal permit for $110M casino work

Tuesday, October 22, 2013  

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina broke ground on a $110 million last week even though the tribe hasn't received a key federal permit for the project.

Construction of the Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Hotel and Casino will impact some wetlands, The Daily Yonder reported. So the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must issue a permit before any work begins.

"We’ve qualified for a (Corps of Engineers) ‘national’ permit and we’re waiting to hear from them," casino project manager Erik Sneed told the Yonder.

A permanent casino is expected to open in 2015.

Get the Story:
Leaders Gamble on New Cherokee Casino (The Daily Yonder 10/22)

Eastern Cherokees break ground on 2nd casino on reservation (10/16)