The Spokane Tribe of Indians has submitted a request to the Department of Interior to build an off-reservation casino and resort on 145 acres of trust land the tribe acquired near Airway Heights in 1998. If the Bureau of Indian Affairs approves the Tribe’s plans, the Tribe will seek final approval from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and begin construction as early as 2013. The proposed site lies west of Craig Road along Highway 2 on land adjacent to Airway Heights, about one mile east of Fairchild Air Force Base.
The Spokane Tribe already has two existing casinos—the proposed casino in Airway Heights would be their third. Nothing is stopping the Spokanes from expanding their existing gaming operations in any capacity or from performing any other economic activity they want to on the 155,000 acres of their reservation. Instead they are intent on opening a massive gambling operation on land that, at the time of purchase, they said they didn’t want to put a casino on.
What are the Real Facts?
The Spokane Tribe is making promises that don’t ring true:
- Back in January 2011, the Spokane Tribe estimated their casino development would create 1,200 permanent jobs and 400 construction jobs, but now they’re claiming 3,800 jobs . This seems unrealistic given that Northern Quest employs around 1,400 people and that Phase One of the Spokane Tribe’s project is only a casino. Ask them for the facts behind 3,800 jobs.
- The Spokane Tribe claims that it has conducted market research showing the Spokane market can support two casinos. They should make this research public to show people the facts.
As a member of this community, you have the right to know the truth and voice your concerns. Now is the time to voice your opinion if you don’t want this casino in our community. Look at the How to Help page to see what you can do to make your voice heard!
Contact
For more information about Citizens Against Casino Expansion and its concerns with the Spokane Tribe’s proposed off-reservation casino or to sign your name to the growing list of business and community leaders joining the group, please write:
