This artist's rendering of proposed First Light Resort and Casino has been scrapped now that the tribe has changed architects. Image from Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is getting even closer to a casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued the final environmental impact statement for the proposed $500 million First Light Resort and Casino in the city of Taunton. The document recommends placing 170 acres in trust for the project plus another 151 acres in Mashpee, the tribe's headquarters, for non-gaming purposes. "Revenue from economic development would support not only tribal employment, but also other tribal needs such as education, healthcare, and housing," the final EIS states. The EIS will be subject to a 30-day public comment period. Once that closes, the BIA will prepare a record of decision to take the land into trust but there is no time frame for that. Notice of the final EIS is being published in the Federal Register tomorrow. Forthcoming Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer of Property and Subsequent Development of a Resort/Hotel and Ancillary Facilities in the City of Taunton, MA and Tribal Government Facilities in the Town of Mashpee, MA by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (To Be Published September 5, 2014) Related Stories:
Wampanoag casino opponents hope to catch Obama's attention (08/20)
BIA won't commit to timeline on Mashpee Wampanoag casino (07/30)
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