Los Coyotes Band waits for decision on off-reservation casino

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

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 Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians is still waiting for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make a decision on its proposed off-reservation casino in Barstow, California.

The final environmental impact statement was completed nearly two years ago and a revised general conformity determination was issued this month. But there's no word on a final answer.

"Unfortunately, I don't know when a decision will be made on the two-part determination," Chad Broussard, an environmental protection specialist with the BIA, told The Desert Dispatch.

The tribe hopes to build the $160 million Barstow Casino and Resort on 28 acres in Barstow. The site is about 115 miles from the reservation.

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

Get the Story:
Two-part determination completion date unknown, official says (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:
Rep. Cook supports Los Coyotes Band off-reservation casino (08/07)
Los Coyotes Band still waiting for off-reservation casino ruling (8/5)
Off-reservation gaming dead in tracks after California election (4/6)
BIA still working on Los Coyotes Band off-reservation casino (2/19)
Los Coyotes Band still optimistic on off-reservation casino bid (11/07)
BIA wants views on Los Coyotes Band off-reservation casino (10/13)
Former mayor remains hopeful on Los Coyotes Band casino bid (09/29)