BIA to rule on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino

Thursday, June 4, 2009  

Larry EchoHawk, the new leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will be making a final decision on the off-reservation casino sought by the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona.

The tribe plans a $550 million resort near Glendale. The land was purchased with funds authorized by an act of Congress.

The BIA's Western Regional Office recommends the 134-acre site be taken into trust. But since it involves gaming, EchoHawk will have final say.

EchoHawk's views on gaming aren't well known. He declined to answer questions about off-reservation casinos during his confirmation hearing.

Officials in Glendale oppose the casino.

Get the Story:
Tribe clears hurdle on Glendale casino (The Arizona Republic 6/4)
O'odham mega-casino nearer to being built (The Arizona Daily Star 6/4)