BIA finishes review of Spokane Tribe's off-reservation casino

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published the final environmental impact statement for the Spokane Tribe off-reservation casino in Airway Heights, Washington.

The West Plains Mixed-Use Development consists of a 98,442-square-foot casino, a 300-room hotel, a commercial building, a tribal cultural center and a police/fire station at a 145-acre site. The proposed action in the EIS is the issuance of a two-part determination, which would also require approval from the state governor.

Comments are being accepted for 30 days, according to a notice published in today's issue of the Federal Register. The notice was signed by former BIA official Del Laverdure on September 20, 2012.

It's not clear why it took so long for the notice to be published. Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn was confirmed shortly after it was signed.

Get the Story:
Spokane Tribe posts casino impact statement (The Spokesman Review 2/1)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Spokane Tribe of Indians West Plains Casino and Mixed Use Project, City of Airway Heights, Spokane County, WA (February 1, 2013)

Related Stories
County opposes Spokane Tribe's off-reservation casino plan (1/30)

Join the Conversation