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MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2001

Closing his tribe's casino in Texas amounts to "economic devastation," Tigua Governor Albert Alvidrez tells The Washington Post.

Alvidrez, tribal members and their supporters are fearing a federal appeals court could shut down the one vehicle that has brought them out of poverty. Just a decade ago, unemployment was high, poverty was high, education was low and there was little running water and other services to speak of on thet tribe's reservation near El Paso.

That changed when the tribe opened its casino in 1993. But the state has won numerous court decisions that may force the shutdown of the facility next year.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments January 5. The court could render a decision within the year.

Get the Story:
El Paso Tribe Faces Huge Gambling Loss (The Washington Post 12/3)

Relevant Links:
Speaking Rock Casino - http://www.speakingrockcasino.com/index.html
Office of Attorney General, Texas - http://www.oag.state.tx.us

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