California | Casino Stalker

Los Coyotes Band waiting on action for off-reservation casino

Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians is still waiting for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take action on its off-reservation casino.

The Bush administration rejected the proposed casino because Barstow is more than 100 miles from the reservation. The Obama administration restarted the process and the BIA prepared a new environmental impact statement for the project.

But there hasn't been much movement since the draft EIS was released in July 2011. The tribe met with Kevin Washburn, the leader of the BIA, in November 2012.

The tribe is pursuing the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The governor's approval will be required.

The Obama administration approved two off-reservation casinos for California tribes under the two-part determination. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) agreed to both casinos but both are in litigation.

Get the Story:
City officials continue petition for Barstow Casino (The Victorville Daily Press 6/20)

Federal Register Notice:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians' 23-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, CA (July 1, 2011)