Oregon Governor Calls for More Time to Consider the Coquille Tribe’s Proposed Medford Casino
MEDFORD, Ore. — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has asked the Department of the Interior for an additional 30 days for public comment on the Coquille Tribe’s proposed casino in Medford, a controversial issue among Tribal leaders.
Christmas Eve Deadline is a Ploy to Sweep Issue Under the Rug
Comment on the proposal closes on Christmas Eve. It is said to be a ploy to sweep the controversial application under the rug at a busy time of year by Lindsay Campman, Communications and Marketing Director of the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, opposing the Medford casino project.
In her letter to the Department of the Interior, the governor says an extension “would allow for a more thorough examination of the potential effects on the state’s economic environment, local planning efforts, and intergovernmental relationships.”
Kotek Says an Extension Will Ensure an Informed Decision-Making Process
Kotek says an extension will ensure that all perspectives are considered for a fully informed decision-making process.
The Coquille Tribe’s ongoing efforts to open a casino in Medford forged ahead last month when the Bureau of Indian Affairs indicated support for the project at the old Roxy Ann Lanes building on the South Pacific Highway.
The Coquille Tribe, based in Coos County 150 miles away from Medford, bought the land more than a decade ago with the hopes of opening a Class II casino – a casino stocked only with electronic games.
The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe’s Campman says that the Medford casino would be bad for the area and harmfully impact Tribes from Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Campman described the Christmas Even deadline for comment as ‘poor timing’ and ‘probably intentional.’
Oregon Senators Call for Reevaluation of Casino Approvals
Calling for a reevaluation of premises used to approve such casino projects are Oregon senators, Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and Rep. Cliff Bentz.
According to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, they have joined California Governor Gavin Newsom and 20 other members of Congress in a request to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland to reevaluate how approvals of such casino projects are made.
See also: Coquille Tribe Casino in Medford Gets Federal Support
In her letter, Kotek says the decision “carries significant implications for Oregon’s communities, economic landscape, and broader state interests.”
The governor points out that it is crucial that all stakeholders—Tribal Nations, local governments, and residents —have enough time to consider the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to provide meaningful feedback.
Sources & References
- Gov. Tina Kotek’s Letter – https://www.dailytidings.com/…