KPLU: Spokane Tribe makes its case for off-reservation gaming

Friday, December 2, 2011  

"Spokane County could have another casino if all goes as planned for the Spokane Tribe of Indians. The Spokane Tribe wants to build on 145 acres of ancestral land in Airway Heights, but they must pass several levels of approval first, including that of wary public citizens.

The Spokane tribe created The Spokane Tribe Economic Project, STEP for short, in order to bring an economic boost to their tribe and community. The proposal includes creating a casino, hotel, and shopping area in Airway Heights down the road from the Fairchild Air Force base. Jamie Sijohn, Communications Director with the Spokane Tribe, says it would bring 3,800 jobs.

1,200 of those projected 3,800 jobs would begin with construction as soon as STEP gains approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Spokane tribe is ready to begin. While others try to put the breaks on STEP."

Get the Story:
Spokane Tribe Proposes New Casino and Resort (KPLU 12/1)

Also Today:
Open house expands talks on Spokane Tribe’s project (The Cheney Free Press 12/2)

Related Stories:
Paper publishes large number of anti-Spokane casino letters (12/1)
Spokane Tribe seeks equal footing with off-reservation casino (11/29)
Spokane Tribe blasts opposition to off-reservation casino plans (11/17)
Letter: Spokane Tribe off-reservation casino all about greed (11/11)
Spokane Tribe starts project at off-reservation casino site (11/4)
County neutral on Spokane Tribe's off-reservation casino (10/28)
Editorial: Spokane Tribe doesn't need off-reservation casino (10/11)
BIA sees opposition to Spokane Tribe off-reservation casino bid (10/7)