Oral arguments in a lawsuit that aims to stop the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington from opening a casino aren't expected until early 2014, The Columbian reports.
The tribe started the land-into-trust process for the Cowlitz Casino Resort after gaining federal recognition in 2000. But litigation from opponents -- including a tribe with an existing gaming facility -- has delayed progress.
In July, Chairman Bill Iyall said the tribe hopes to break ground next year. The lawsuit, however, is likely to lead to further delays.
The tribe's main hurdle is the U.S. Supreme Court decision
in Carcieri
v. Salazar. The decision restricts the land-into-trust process to tribes
that were "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934.
Opponents, including the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon, Clark County in Washington and the city of Vancouver in Washington, say the Cowlitz don't meet the requirement.
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(The Columbian 10/2)
$P Federal Register Notice:
Land
Acquisitions; Cowlitz Indian Tribe (May 8, 2013)
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Cowlitz Tribe
optimistic for casino groundbreaking next year (07/18)