Artist's rendering of the proposed Cowlitz Casino Resort. Image from Cowlitz Indian Tribe Environmental Impact Statement
Opponents are planning to appeal a decision that allows the Cowlitz Tribe to open a casino in Washington. Non-Indian card clubs are worried about the loss of revenue to the Cowlitz Casino Resort. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon also fear competition.
“Portland is a big market area for the Confederated Tribe of Grand Ronde. We’re about 68 miles southwest,” Justin Martin, the head of government affairs for the tribe, told Oregon Public Broadcasting. “If another casino goes in within 15 miles of Portland there will certainly be an economic impact.” The Grand Ronde Tribes operate the Spirit Mountain Casino about 60 miles from Portland. The Cowlitz casino site is only 30 miles from Portland. The main issue in the case is the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. The decision restricts the land-into-trust process to tribes that were "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934. The Cowlitz Tribe didn't receive formal recognition until 2000. But the BIA developed a two-part test that Judge Barbara Jacobs Rothstein upheld in a 57-page decision last week. The case will now go to the D.C Circuit Court of Appeals. Future appeals could go before the Supreme Court. Get the Story:
Cowlitz Casino Battle May End Up In U.S. Supreme Court (Oregon Public Broadcasting 12/18)
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