Leaders of Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico believe the Bureau of Indian Affairs is about to issue a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed off-reservation casino.
The BIA will hold public meetings at the end of this month or in May, tribal leaders told The El Paso Times. But even the process is moving forward, it will take years to complete. "There are still huge steps," Gov. Michael Toledo Jr. told the paper. The tribe is proceeding under the two-part determination section of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The casino will require approval by the state governor. Gov. Susana Martinez (R) hasn't taken a position on the casino but a spokesperson said gaming might not be the best way to spur economic development. She is also worried about off-reservation gaming. Get the Story: