A site plan for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians casino in Plymouth, California. Image from Analytical Environmental Services
The landless Ione Band of Miwok Indians has been seeking a casino in California for at least 11 years, a process that has been contentious in the local community. But there's light at the end of the tunnel. A federal judge on Wednesday rejected two challenges to the tribe's land-into-trust application for 228 acres in Amador County. Judge Troy L. Nunley rejected a series of claims made by opponents, including the county and a national anti-Indian group. Barring further appeals, the Bureau of Indian Affairs can place the site in trust and the tribe could move forward with the long-delayed project. Plans at one point called for a 120,000 square-foot casino with a 250 room hotel and 30,000 square-foot convention facility, according to Analytical Environmental Services, which prepared the environmental impact statement for the project. There hasn't been much news about the project, though, since the BIA made its original announcement about the land-into-trust application in May 2012. Turtle Talk has posted documents from both cases, No Casino in Plymouth v. Jewell and County of Amador v. Dept. of Interior. Get the Story:
Judge’s ruling clears way for Ione tribe to establish Amador casino (The Sacramento Bee 10/2) Federal Register Notice:
Land Acquisitions; Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California (May 30, 2012)
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rejects challenges to Ione Band land-into-trust application (10/1) Lawsuit against Ione Band casino moved to California court (03/29)
County sues DOI for approving Ione Band casino land acquisition (06/29)
Ione Band leader doesn't anticipate casino for a few more years (06/13)
BIA approves land-into-trust application for Ione Band's casino (05/29)
BIA advances another land-into-trust application for casino bid (08/13)
County sues to stop Ione Band casino proposal (03/30)
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