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Mayor: Ponca Tribe brings hope to the local community with casino

The Ponca Tribe has once again won a decision from the National Indian Gaming Commission affirming its rights so why are opponents still fighting?

For more than a decade, the State of Iowa, State of Nebraska and the City of Council Bluffs have been fighting to prevent the Ponca Tribe and Carter Lake from realizing the benefits of economic development and entertainment. In March, a District Court judge directed The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) to consider a final set of factors. On April 30, the NIGC ruled for the third time in the Ponca Tribe’s favor.

This latest decision represents another rejection of the legal arguments made by the plaintiffs in a court case aimed at closing the Prairie Flower Casino.

As the leader of the City of Carter Lake, I hope this represents the end to the plaintiffs’ legal crusade. Prairie Flower Casino is critical to the future growth of Carter Lake and to the Tribe’s ability to sustain critical services to its tribal members and the community.

The Prairie Flower Casino represents much-needed economic development on a plot of land that was previously sitting vacant. The visitors coming to Carter Lake to enjoy Prairie Flower Casino are also visiting other town shops and restaurants, representing an economic catalyst for the city, county and the region.

In addition to attracting visitors to Carter Lake and supporting Tribal services like healthcare, job training and cultural preservation, the Prairie Flower Casino is also contributing $775,000 a year to Carter Lake to support police, fire and emergency responders, and general city improvements.