Tule River Tribe takes another step toward relocation of casino

Friday, May 31, 2019

The Tule River Tribe might soon be able to relocate its casino in central California.

Notice of a final environmental impact statement for the proposed relocation of the Eagle Mountain Casino was published in the Federal Register on Friday. The action puts the tribe one step closer to a decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Plans call for Eagle Mountain to be moved to a 40-acre site near the Porterville Airport Industrial Park, where local officials support the relocation. The site is less than 20 miles from the existing facility.

The Tule River Tribe owns and operates the Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, California. Photo: Tamara Evans

Since the land is not part of the reservation, the tribe is pursuing the project under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. That means both the BIA and the state governor must approve it.

As part of the process, the BIA is accepting public comments on the final environmental impact statement through July 1. Following the close of the comment period, the BIA will issue record of decision but there is no definite timeline for action.

In the history of IGRA, only a handful of tribes have secured approval to open a casino under the two-part determination provisions of the law. Two are in California, with the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria, whose Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain is due to open this fall following years of controversy and litigation.

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians won the second two-part determination approval. Litigation and controversy also have kept the tribe's project from moving forward.

The Tule River Tribe's project differs in that it is a proposed relocation rather than an additional development. The existing facility will be converted into governmental buildings if the tribe wins federal and state approval.

Federal Register Notices

Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Tule River Tribe's Proposed Fee-to-Trust and Eagle Mountain Casino Relocation Project, Tulare County, California (May 31, 2019)

Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Tule River Tribe's Proposed Fee-to-Trust and Eagle Mountain Casino Relocation Project, Tulare County, California (September 21, 2018)

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Tule River Tribe's Proposed Fee-to-Trust and Eagle Mountain Casino Relocation Project, Tulare County, California (December 30, 2016)