The existing Gray Wolf Peak Casino in Evaro, Montana. Photo from GWPC
A $27 million casino expansion project won't disturb land that hasn't already been developed, the leader of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana said. The tribe plans to build a new 40,000 square-foot Gray Wolf Peak Casino that will include space for more gaming machines, a hotel, a spa, a new restaurant and a lounge. Elders and some council members have raised concerns about the project, saying it will harm a sacred site. But Chairman Vernon Finley told The Char-Koosta News that the tribe won't be expanding the overall footprint of the existing site even though the new building will be larger than the current facility. He also said the land has already been subject to numerous development projects over the years. “There have been fireworks displays, cowboy parties, concerts, smokeshop-gas station-casino events going on at the location beginning before tribal ownership of the property," Finley told the tribe's newspaper. "I’m afraid the time to oppose ‘disturbance’ in the area passed a long time ago." The tribe announced the project late last year and said construction would begin in 2015. A date hasn't been disclosed. Get the Story:
Creating a road to independence (The Char-Koosta News 4/2) An Opinion about the Casino:
Sharon Rosenbaum: Consider environmental impacts of casino (The Ronan Valley Journal 4/1)
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