Casino Stalker

Spokane Tribe still waiting for answer on off-reservation casino

Friday, October 2, 2015

Artist's rendering of the Spokane Tribe's proposed off-reservation casino in Airway Heights, Washington. Image from STEP

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) still hasn't made a decision on the off-reservation casino proposed by the Spokane Tribe.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the West Plains Mixed-Use Development in Airway Heights under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives veto authority to the governor, who has a year from June 15, 2015, to concur or reject the decision.

"When we make that decision, and at the right time. I can't give you a specific date," Inslee said at a press conference, The Spokesman-Review reported.

Since IGRA became law in 1988, only three tribes have completed both steps of the two-part determination process. One is the Kalispel Tribe, whose Northern Quest Resort and Casino is less than three miles from the Spokane site. The Kalispels oppose the new facility.

Get the Story:
No decision on Spokane Tribe casino, Inslee says (The Spokesman-Review 10/1)

Relevant Documents:
BIA Two-Part Determination Letter (June 15, 2015)

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)