Cowlitz Tribe plans to debut long-awaited casino in spring of 2017

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Construction on the Cowlitz Casino and Entertainment Resort in Washington. Still image from Cowlitz Casino Project

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The Cowlitz Tribe has started construction on a $500 million casino in Clark County, Washington.

The Cowlitz Casino and Entertainment Resort is located on a 156-acre site that was placed in trust last March and declared a reservation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in November. An opening is expected in spring of 2017 with Kara Fox-LaRose as general manager.

"We're thrilled to appoint Kara Fox-LaRose to General Manager of the Cowlitz Tribe's project," Chairman Bill Iyall said in a press release. "She is a highly accomplished professional with deep experience in the gaming and entertainment industry, and we're looking forward to having her leadership here in Southwest Washington.

Fox-LaRose most recently served as the assistant general manager at the Mohegan Sun Pocono in Pennsylvania. The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut owns the commercial facility and is a partner with the Cowlitz casino.

Get the Story:
Cowlitz casino construction starts despite lawsuit (KOIN 1/26) $P Federal Register Notices:
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (November 13, 2015)
Land Acquisitions; Cowlitz Indian Tribe (May 8, 2013)

DOI Solicitor Opinion:
M-37029: The Meaning of "Under Federal Jurisdiction" for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act (March 12, 2014) Related Stories:
Republican lawmaker questions Cowlitz Tribe's gaming project (01/22)
Cowlitz Tribe closes on financing for long-delayed $550M casino (12/09)
Cowlitz Tribe plans $13.4M wastewater system at casino site (11/13)
BIA formally declares reservation for Cowlitz Tribe casino (11/9)
Cowlitz Tribe already in debt $485M for long-delayed casino bid (10/12)
Cowlitz Tribe turned down Donald Trump for gaming partnership (10/05)
Cowlitz Tribe prepares for groundbreaking on casino in early 2016 (09/30)