The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has finally been granted the reservation land it needs so as to be able to build a gambling venue not far from La Center, Washington.
Yesterday, March 9, Stanley Speaks, who is currently taking the position of a regional director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, has signed the final agreement for the establishment of the tribe’s reservation. The Cowlitz Tribe was federally recognized back in 2000.
It is determined to build a casino, which is to spread over 134,000 square feet and is to be located near La Center. What is more, the property will feature a 250-room hotel, as well as various shopping and dining options. The project is planned to be carried out in two phases. More than 3,000 construction workers will be employed to implement the first phase. And 1,500 more permanent jobs will be created once the casino is finished.
Bill Iyall, Chairman of the Cowlitz Tribe, pointed out that the tribe will also move its offices to the newly acquired land. At present, they are located in Longview.
Mr. Iyall also shared that the construction of the property cannot commence before certain legal issues are taken care of. It seems that there are residents and nearby tribes that are not particularly keen on the launch of a new casino in Clark County.
Back in 2010, when the Bureau of Indian Affairs backed the tribe’s application for the above-mentioned land to be taken into trust, several concerned entities filed a lawsuit against that decision. They claimed that the Cowlitz Tribe has no actual historical ties to the lands located west of Interstate 5, where their casino is projected to be built. In addition, the tribe’s headquarters are about 25 miles north of the site in question.
Plaintiffs suggested that tribal officials wanted that particular land, so as for their casino to be easily reached by customers from Portland.
Back on December 12, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Barbara J. Rothstein issued a ruling on the matter, acknowledging the decision of federal authorities to grant the Cowlitz Tribe the land near La Center.
Judge Rothstein pointed out that the new gambling venue is not likely to pose risks to the environment and traffic and noise issues are not likely to arise.
Clark County plaintiffs as well as the Grand Ronde Tribe, which owns the so-called Spirit Mountain Casino, appealed Judge Rothstein’s ruling.
Brent Boger, an Assistant City Attorney in Vancouver, stated that yesterday’s announcement was expected. He also emphasized that the acquisition might be undone, in case the plaintiffs’ appeal prevails.
