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Choctaws Casino Moves Ahead

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: " — The Interior Department has taken the first step toward approving a new casino the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians hopes to build in Jackson County.

"In a notice in the Federal Register on Wednesday, the Bureau of Indian Affairs said it intends to study the potential environmental impact of the new casino, which would consist of a hotel, shops and parking near the intersection of Mississippi 57 and I-10.

"The Choctaws said the tribe would shut down two businesses in the county - the firms employ more than 100 workers - if it can't establish a new gaming complex. But the project is strongly opposed by state officials and local residents.

"…The complex would be built on 40 acres the tribe owns in Jackson County and 61 adjoining acres the Choctaws have asked the federal government to put into trust, which would take it out of state control.

"The environmental impact study would assess the proposed casino's effects on local traffic and wildlife, air quality and sewage and water systems.

"…The BIA established a 30-day period for the public to comment on the proposal and has scheduled an Oct. 18 public meeting on the project in the Ocean Springs Civic Center…"

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