The casino project started by Mohegan and Cowlitz Tribes is about to face new setbacks as its opponents announced that they would do whatever it takes to prevent the casino from opening doors in La Center, Clark County, Washington.
On Tuesday, opponents of the casino establishment submitted a note to the U.S. Court of Appeals. They revealed that they are appealing the dismissal of the federal judge related to the lawsuit they filed against the US government and the decision of granting 152 acres of land to Cowlitz Indian Tribe so as their casino project to be completed.
Accusers included Clark County, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon as well as the City of Vancouver and the operator in charge of the so called “card rooms” at La Center.
Back in 2004, the Mohegan Tribe and the Cowlitz signed an agreement to work in collaboration and to establish a casino.
Last week, representatives of Mohegan announced that the project is finally about to start.
Yesterday, officials of the tribes said that whatever the court final say is, it is to have a minimal effect on the project.
The bone of contention is the fact that the tribe has not been given a federal recognition before 1934.
The attorney of the city of Vancouver, Brett Bogar, said that the reasons for the court appeal are really complicated. What makes matters so complex is whether the Department of Interior is allowed to grant land into trust to a tribe that has not been recognized in 1934.
The attorney of Grand Ronde said that Cowlitz is, by all means, a widely recognized tribe but what is important is whether the secretary is allowed to take land into trust and simply give it to the tribe.
Tribe representatives also shared that there was no point in filing appeals and delaying the project since the future casino may become a source of considerable revenues.
In addition, the representative of Cowlitz said that Mohegan’s support is highly appreciated and they would not have accomplished so many goals if it had not been for Mohegan’s help.
Back in 2000, Mohegans received federal recognition and meanwhile the Cowlitz tribe started seeking the same statute. As soon as they received it, the tribe applied for obtaining land where it could build its casino venue. Five years ago, the US government approved the plan for the casino establishment but the project faced several delays.
