Judge dismisses challenge to Cowlitz casino

Thursday, September 25, 2008

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to stop the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington from building a casino.

Judge Benjamin H. Settle ruled that the city of Vancouver lacked standing to sue the National Indian Gaming Commission. The agency approved the tribe's gaming ordinance in January.

The city claimed its interests would be harmed be harmed by the Cowlitz Casino Resort because an agreement the tribe struck with Clark County was invalidated in state court. The tribe's ordinance essentially codified the agreement.

The tribe is near the end of the casino approval process. A final environmental impact statement recommended the Bureau of Indian Affairs take 152 acres in trust for the project.

Get the Story:
Federal court tosses Vancouver's casino suit (The Columbian 9/25)
Judge tosses challenge to Cowlitz Tribe casino (AP 9/24)