The Wilton Rancheria was celebrating last week after the Obama administration approved its land-into-trust application but doubts remain about the finality of the decision. The Bureau of Indian Affairs issued the record of decision for the 35.9-acre site in the city of Elk Grove on January 19. However, an official notice has not yet appeared in the Federal Register, a step usually taken for similar casino land applications. Prior to that action, the Department of Justice signed onto a joint status report in federal court that indicates the land may not have been placed in trust. Casino opponents had made a request to "stay" the acquisition on January 17. If that's the case, it would be up to the administration of new Republican President Donald Trump to finalize the decision. His leadership team is still in flux although Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Montana), Trump's nominee for the Interior Department, could be confirmed by the Senate by the end of the week. The uncertainty comes as the city council considers whether to rescind a land agreement that paves the way for the casino. Alternatively, the issue could be put to a vote of the people, possibly in June, according to news reports. The tribe has been without a land base ever since it was illegally terminated in the 1950s. The tribe was restored to federal recognition in 2009 and began the land-into-trust process in late 2013. Read More on the Story:
Elk Grove Casino CEQA Lawsuit To Be Discussed During Closed Session of Appointment Meeting (The Elk Grove Citizen 2/1)
Verified: Are casinos dangerous to communities? (ABC10 2/1)
Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly to BIA - He, City Council 'Completely Behind' Wilton Rancheria Casino (The Elk Grove Citizen 1/30)
Elk Grove tribal casino situation still muddled after council delays decision (The Sacramento Bee 1/26)
Trump administration could decide fate of planned Elk Grove Indian casino (The Sacramento Bee 1/24)
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