Artist's rendering of proposed Catawba Nation casino in North Carolina. Image from Catawba Nation Project Brief
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) knew about the Catawba Nation casino project months before it became public, The Charlotte News & Observer reports. McCrory's office was contacted in April 2013, just months after he took office, the paper said. McCrory himself was briefed in June and raised “serious objections," a spokesperson told the paper. McCrory eventually came out against the casino in August after the project made local news. His staff told the media that “the governor’s office has not actively engaged this project” and “never had any direct contact with the Catawba tribe" even though McCrory's aides met with the tribe's legal and lobbying team more than once, the paper reported. The tribe wants to use 16 acres in Cleveland County for a $600 million resort. Plans call for a 220,000 square-foot casino, two hotels with a combined 750 rooms, multiple restaurants and retail shopping venues. The tribe has submitted a land-into-trust application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Get the Story:
On proposed casino, Gov. McCrory’s interest faded abruptly (The Charlotte News & Observer 1/12) Related Stories:
Catawba Nation outlines case for gaming in North Carolina (1/8)
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