Artist's rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham Nation
The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona criticized a bill that would prevent the tribe from using its trust land for gaming. The tribe plans to build the $500 million West Valley Resort on 135 acres in the Phoenix area. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has agreed to place the land in trust but S.2670 would bar all forms of Class II and Class III gaming. “The federal courts and agencies have consistently found that the nation has followed the law at every step of the process," Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said in a statement. "Every argument raised by opponents of the project has been heard and dismissed by the courts." The Gila River Indian Community and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community are fighting the Tohono O'odham project. Both tribes operate casinos in the Phoenix area. S.2670 was referred to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. The companion version, H.R.1410, passed the House in September 2013. Get the Story:
McCain, Flake measure steps up fight vs. Glendale casino (The Daily News-Sun 7/30)
Arizona Lawmakers Take Aim At West Valley Casino Development (KJZZ 7/29) Related Stories:
Senate bill introduced to kill Tohono O'odham Nation casino bid (7/29)
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