Larry EchoHawk, the new leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will be making a final decision on the off-reservation casino sought by the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona.
The tribe plans a $550 million resort near Glendale. The land was purchased with funds authorized by an act of Congress. The BIA's Western Regional Office recommends the 134-acre site be taken into trust. But since it involves gaming, EchoHawk will have final say. EchoHawk's views on gaming aren't well known. He declined to answer questions about off-reservation casinos during his confirmation hearing. Officials in Glendale oppose the casino. Get the Story: