It's only taken 10 years but the Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Indians of Wisconsin is getting closer to a decision on its off-reservation casino in the Catskills region of New York.
The tribe started the process in 2003 and suffered a setback when the Bush administration rejected the casino in 2008 under a controversial guidance memorandum. But the Obama administration rescinded the policy and the project is back on track. After a second review, the Bureau of Indian Affairs published a final environmental impact statement for the project last month. The preferred alternative calls for a 350,000 square-foot casino with 2,000 slot machines and 60 gaming tables. There will also be room for restaurants, bars and retail and space for 3,500 vehicles. Phase two calls for a hotel with 750 rooms and another 1,020 parking spaces. The BIA is taking public comments until March 3. Get the Story: