The city of Glendale, Arizona, is lobbying Interior Secretary Ken
Salazar to oppose the proposed Tohono O’odham Nation off-reservation casino.
The tribe filed a land-into-trust application for 134 acres in Glendale. Acquisition is mandatory under the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act of 1986, the tribe argues.
But the city says Salazar has discretion to reject the application. A letter says the law applies to "unincorporated" land purchased by the tribe and not to land in an urban area.
The letter came as the city council voted 6-1 to oppose the casino. The tribe says the $500 million West Valley Resort will create jobs and boost the economy.
Get the Story:City council opposes plans for $500 million casino in Glendale (AP 4/7)
Glendale gears up for fight against Tohono O'odham casino (The Arizona Republic 4/7)