California | Casino Stalker

Los Coyotes Band still waiting for off-reservation casino ruling

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

A sign at the site in Barstow, California, where Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians wants to build an off-reservation casino. Photo from Barstow Casino and Resort

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians is still waiting for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make a decision on its off-reservation casino.

The BIA published the final environmental impact statement in April 2014. The comment period closed in June 2014 but there's no timeline for a decision on the $160 million Barstow Casino and Resort.

City Manager Curt Mitchell, however, said the BIA asked for more information. He told The Desert Dispatch that the tribe is in the process of responding to the request.

Mitchell also said the city has not met with the Chemehuevi Tribe, whose leaders are also interested in pursuing a casino in Barstow. He doesn't know whether a land-into-trust application has been submitted.

The Los Coyotes Band is pursuing its casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. If the BIA approves, the state governor will have final say over the project.

The 28-acre site in Barstow is about 115 miles from the tribe's reservation. The project enjoys strong local support.

Get the Story:
Barstow casino still waiting for BIA decision (The Desert Dispatch 8/5)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Proposed Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeňo Indians 23-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, California (April 18, 2014)