BIA still working on Los Coyotes Band off-reservation casino

Thursday, February 19, 2015

A sign at the site in Barstow, California, where Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians wants to build an off-reservation casino. Photo from Barstow Casino and Resort

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The Bureau of Indian Affairs has yet to make a decision on an off-reservation casino for the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians but a local official in Barstow, California, believes an answer could come soon.

The BIA published the final environmental impact statement in April 2014. The comment period closed in June 2014 but there's no timeline for a decision on the $160 million Barstow Casino and Resort

“The final environmental impact statement has been published. Theoretically, they could make a decision at any time,” Barstow manager Curt Mitchell told the city council, The Desert Dispatch reported.

The tribe is pursuing the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. If the BIA approves, the state governor will have final say over the project.

The 28-acre site in Barstow is about 115 miles from the tribe's reservation. The project enjoys strong local support.

Get the Story:
Mitchell: Casino decision looms (The Desert Dispatch 2/19) $P Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Proposed Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeňo Indians 23-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, California (April 18, 2014) Related Stories:
Los Coyotes Band still optimistic on off-reservation casino bid (11/07)