"Our view: It's time for the county and the Mechoopda to start talking.

The dismissal of Butte County's lawsuit against the Mechoopda tribe in an effort to block a casino near the intersection of Highways 149 and 99 would seem to answer the last real question about whether the project will become a reality.

The only roadblock remaining in the way of the Chico tribe is a compact with the governor, which is then approved by the Legislature. The biggest part of that deal will be a stipulation on what percentage of the profits the tribe will send to the state. And in the state's current financial distress, it's hard to imagine those negotiations taking too long.

The economic condition of the tribe's corporate partner, Stations Casinos, might be an issue. The firm is on the edge of bankruptcy. But if that happens, there are undoubtedly other concerns that would love to take the casino project on.

But there are still questions to be answered, and those discussions haven't even begun as the county and the tribe have been locked up in a court fight. "

Get the Story:
Editorial: Drop the fight, resolve the issues (The Chico Enterprise-Record 4/16)

Earlier Story:
Judge dismisses lawsuit against Mechoopda casino (4/15)