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Connecticut Tribe Lobbies for Pier Casino3 April 2001HARTFORD, Connectuct –April 3, 2001 – As reported by the Norwich Bulletin: "Eastern Pequot tribe members came to the Capitol Monday to lobby the southeastern Connecticut lawmakers for support of plans to build a casino at the State Pier in New London. "Presenting a proposal calling for the creation of 4,500 new jobs at the casino, 5,000 spin-off jobs in the area, $3 million paid directly to the city and another $100 million generated for the state from slot machines, tribal leaders said their proposal deserves serious consideration. "…The Eastern Pequots, along with the Paucatuck Eastern Pequots who share the North Stonington reservation, received preliminary approval for federal recognition last year. "…The tribe does not need legislative approval if federal recognition is granted, but would need to negotiate a gaming compact with the state similar to the one in effect with the Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes. "..To that end, the Eastern Pequots have met with city officials to discuss the State Pier proposal, one of `several' sites under consideration, and will bring its plans to residents Monday at a community forum. "…Some lawmakers have expressed concern over tribal plans for the State Pier, citing hundreds of thousands of dollars invested by the state to revitalize the site as a major freight shipping operation…" |