City changes mind and votes to work with Cowlitz Tribe on casino

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The city council in La Center, Washington, reversed course and voted 4-1 to work with the Cowlitz Tribe on a casino.

A resolution approved Wednesday night calls on the city to engage in "government-to-government relations" with the tribe. Officials said the city needs to diversify its tax base and develop the area where the tribe plans to build the Cowlitz Casino Resort.

“I just feel a conversation never hurts anything,” council member Kristine Carmona said at a meeting, The Columbian reported. “Without talking, there are more arguments, disagreements and misunderstandings.”

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has agreed to place 152 acres in trust for the tribe. Some local governments have filed a lawsuit in federal court in hopes of stopping the project.

Get the Story:
La Center agrees to casino talks with Cowlitz Tribe (The Columbian 3/10)

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