A state lawmaker is defending tribal provisions in the Massachusetts gaming bill amid local opposition.
H.3702 authorizes three casinos in different regions of the state. Region C is reserved for "a federally recognized tribe." The city council in New Bedford officially opposes the provisions, saying they will delay Region C's chances for a casino. The bill gives the state until July 31, 2012, to negotiate a compact, which is about the same time that Rep. Robert M. Koczera (D) said it will take for the state to set up a gaming commission to consider the other regions. "The only time line present in this bill is the one impacting the Wampanoag Tribe," Koczera said in a statement, The New Bedford Standard-Times reported. Region C is home to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe. Both tribes are interested in a casino. The bill requires a compacting tribe to schedule a referendum in the host community by July 31, 2012. The tribe also must have acquired land or have a land agreement in place by that time. Get the Story: