Kahlua Kid
Mar 01, 2006, 09:08 AM
February 28, 2006 - It's a decision that could make it more difficult for Indian tribes to expand casino operations in Fresno County.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved two resolutions — one which opposes casino expansion in Fresno County and another that will limit reservation shopping, where casinos look for land off indian porperty.
Stern words were exchanged, but the board says it was time to take a stand.
One tribe wants to build a new resort near Table Mountain says it is disappointed with Tuesday's vote, but its project will move forward as planned.
"It does not restrict you from doing what you want to do on your land. It makes you consider how you're going to affect your neighbor," explained Fresno County Supervisor Don Larson.
Mono Wind Casino has partnered with Harrah's on plans to build a $250 million casino just a mile from Table Mountain Casino.
The resolution doesn't kill the project, but it sends a message to Governor Schwarzenegger.
Even with a signed compact, the Big Sandy Tribe would still have to work out land use issues with the county.
"It really doesn't affect us," said Connie Lewis, from the Mono Wind Casino. "Not until we start building on the fee land. We know we have to mitigate for that."
Water is so scarce in the area, Table Mountain uses trucks to meet its daily demand.
Supervisor Bob Waterston says the area doesn't have the resources, including roads, to support a new mega casino.
"If this becomes our law, our policy, we can go through with this through the state of California that I want Fresno County to fight this legally," said Waterston.
The board will establish a task force to ensure what it calls a level playing field between Table Mountain and the Mono Wind project.
The resolution opposing so-called "reservation shopping" is such a contentious issue, it brought tribal members from Madera County to complain about the North Fork Tribe, which plans to build a casino off Highway 99 in Madera.
Each tribe is fighting for a piece of a very lucrative pie.
In California alone, it's estimated Indian gaming brought in over $6 billion in revenue in 2004.
Nationwide, the total tops $17 billion.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved two resolutions — one which opposes casino expansion in Fresno County and another that will limit reservation shopping, where casinos look for land off indian porperty.
Stern words were exchanged, but the board says it was time to take a stand.
One tribe wants to build a new resort near Table Mountain says it is disappointed with Tuesday's vote, but its project will move forward as planned.
"It does not restrict you from doing what you want to do on your land. It makes you consider how you're going to affect your neighbor," explained Fresno County Supervisor Don Larson.
Mono Wind Casino has partnered with Harrah's on plans to build a $250 million casino just a mile from Table Mountain Casino.
The resolution doesn't kill the project, but it sends a message to Governor Schwarzenegger.
Even with a signed compact, the Big Sandy Tribe would still have to work out land use issues with the county.
"It really doesn't affect us," said Connie Lewis, from the Mono Wind Casino. "Not until we start building on the fee land. We know we have to mitigate for that."
Water is so scarce in the area, Table Mountain uses trucks to meet its daily demand.
Supervisor Bob Waterston says the area doesn't have the resources, including roads, to support a new mega casino.
"If this becomes our law, our policy, we can go through with this through the state of California that I want Fresno County to fight this legally," said Waterston.
The board will establish a task force to ensure what it calls a level playing field between Table Mountain and the Mono Wind project.
The resolution opposing so-called "reservation shopping" is such a contentious issue, it brought tribal members from Madera County to complain about the North Fork Tribe, which plans to build a casino off Highway 99 in Madera.
Each tribe is fighting for a piece of a very lucrative pie.
In California alone, it's estimated Indian gaming brought in over $6 billion in revenue in 2004.
Nationwide, the total tops $17 billion.