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Indian tribe pushes forward for Mass. casino plan

MIDDLEBOROUGH, Massachusetts -- As reported by The Boston Globe: "A faltering economy and a Beacon Hill political stalemate may have quieted the hoopla over casinos in Massachusetts for now, but the Mashpee Wampanoag are marching forward in their effort to secure federal trust status for 540 acres in Middleborough targeted for a tribe-run casino.

"Before their application to the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs can be approved, however, the tribe must address the long list of possible impacts that have been raised by area residents and officials. Over the next two months, a consultant for the Mashpee Wampanoag will draft an Environmental Impact Statement to meet that requirement.

"The tribe's consultant will look at issues relating to both the casino site in Middleborough and tribe-owned properties in Mashpee that the Wampanoag wish to place in trust. The overwhelming majority of letters and public comments made on the Wampanoag's land-in-trust application relate to the casino proposal.

"The Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs received 175 letters with comments, submitted by individuals, selectmen, and conservation officials in several southeastern Massachusetts communities, members of other native tribes, a handful of environmental agencies, and Governor Deval Patrick..."

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