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Bridgeport, Connecticut Tribe Agree on Casino Plan19 December 2002BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut – As reported by the Connecticut Newsday: "Officials in the state's largest city have agreed on a casino plan with the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe, offering 200 acres in exchange for the tribe handing over some gambling revenue and dropping land claims. "But before the tribe can open a casino, it must win federal recognition from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, which may decide as early as today, the Connecticut Post reported. It was not clear when a ruling would be made public. "…In the new document, Bridgeport pledges to help the Paugussetts assemble `up to' 200 acres owned by the city for a casino and reservation. The city's earlier offer attempted to limit the gaming facility to 30 or so acres. "In exchange for property, the tribe will drop land claims against property owners in the city and surrounding towns and pay the city 10 percent of gross slot machine revenue. The earlier contract demanded 10 percent of gross casino and resort revenue, a much higher figure. "The deal is contingent on the Paugussetts receiving federal recognition, which gives tribes more rights and benefits and allows them to take steps to open a casino. "…Under federal law, Gov. John G. Rowland must negotiate a compact, or operating agreement, with any recognized tribe. If the governor refuses to incorporate the Paugussetts' city contract into that compact, tribal leaders believe the federal BIA can override the state and impose a compact, using the Bridgeport agreement as a basis…" |