The Bureau of Indian Affairs held the first public hearing on the casino sought by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts.. About 300 people attended the hearing, The New Bedford Standard-Times. About 50 of them gave public comments on both sides of the issue. Supporters said the casino will bring jobs and revenue to the area. Opponents, mostly led by the group CasinoFreeMass, are worried about the impact on the community. The BIA will use the comments to prepare a draft environmental impact statement on the tribe's request to have 540 acres in the town of Middleboro placed in trust. The land will be used for a 240,000-square-foot casino and hotel. The EIS also will address the tribe's request to have 140 acres in the town of Mashpee placed in trust. The land will not be used for gaming purposes. Get the Story:
Feds' casino hearing revives debate (The New Bedford Standard-Times 3/26)
Feds hold hearing on Middleboro casino (The Cape Cod Times 3/26)
Indian casino bid is still alive (AP 3/26)
