The Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking public comments on the casino sought by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians in California.

The tribe wants to build a 225,000-square-foot casino on about 30 acres in North Richmond. The site is more than 100 miles from the tribe's headquarters in Lakeport.

The final environmental impact statement identifies the preferred alternative as acquiring the land in trust. But a notice published in the Federal Register last Friday warns that an evaluation of the criteria in 25 CFR part 151 -- the BIA's land-into-trust regulations-- "may lead to a final decision that differs from the Preferred Alternative and the other alternatives."

In January, the Bush administration adopted a new policy that states distance will be taken into account for off-reservation land acquisitions. The policy applies to gaming and non-gaming projects.

Comments on the final EIS are being taken until April 28. A record of decision will be published sometime after that.

Get the Story:
Decision near on tribe's bid for Las Vegas-style casino (The Contra Costa Times 3/30)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' Proposed 29.87 Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Gaming Development Project, Contra Costa County, CA (March 28, 2008)