The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are advancing their plans to introduce the first tribal casino in Washington’s Tri-Cities. This significant development has reached a key phase as it undergoes federal scrutiny, a critical step in the approval process.
Detailed Environmental Review in Progress
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is set to hold a virtual public meeting on April 24 to discuss the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) necessary for the proposed casino. This meeting is a platform for public feedback on the environmental safeguards and impact analysis required by federal law. Public comments are welcomed until May 3, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental compliance in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Comprehensive Casino and Resort Plans
The project envisions a 184,200-square-foot casino resort, complete with a 200-room hotel, multiple dining options, an event center, and supporting facilities. This large-scale development aims to offer a variety of entertainment and hospitality services, enhancing the local economy and tourist offerings.
Strategic Land Management and Development
Managing the complex procedure of converting 165 acres of Colville-owned land into a federal trust marks a pivotal stage in the project. This land, located strategically off Kartchner Street near the King City Truck Stop and along Highway 395, will be transformed under the ‘Fee-to-Trust’ process governed by the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This act facilitates the development of tribal facilities on non-reservation land, extending the tribes’ ability to cultivate economic opportunities outside traditional boundaries.
In 2019, the Colville Tribes strategically acquired over 180 acres of cultivated land in Pasco to construct this new casino facility, which may later include a water park and a tourism center, further broadening the scope and appeal of their operations.
Collaborations with Local Stakeholders
Proactively, the Colville Tribes have established agreements with local entities including the Port of Pasco, Franklin County Sheriff, Franklin County PUD, and the city of Pasco. These partnerships aim to ensure a cohesive approach to services and infrastructure once the casino becomes operational, solidifying community relations and infrastructure support.
Challenges from Rival Tribes
The casino proposal, however, is not without its detractors. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have voiced opposition, citing concerns over territorial rights and competition. The Yakama Nation, which already operates a casino in Toppenish and seeks to expand, contends that the Colville Tribes’ proposed location encroaches on lands ceded under the 1855 treaty. In response, the Colville Tribes argue that the Pasco site is part of their traditional territory, particularly of the Palus tribe, and are pushing for federal affirmation of their project.
Contextualizing Within the Regional Casino Landscape
The introduction of a tribal casino in the Tri-Cities area is a novel development in a region where private casinos exist but tribal gaming establishments have not yet been established. This project, therefore, not only represents a significant expansion for the Colville Tribes but also alters the competitive dynamics of the regional gaming industry, previously dominated by entities such as the Legends Casino & Hotel in Toppenish and the Wildhorse Casino and Resort near Pendleton, Oregon.
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