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Oregon Casino Debate Heats Up

OREGON – As reported by the Hood River News: "The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs contend that opponents of a Gorge casino are using 'deception and gridlock' to achieve their objective.

"'We're trying to play fair and be transparent with Oregonians. We welcome a conversation on the merits of our project but Friends of the Columbia Gorge seems to be more interested in setting up litigation,' said Len Bergstein, tribal spokesperson.

"The tribe is currently studying the financial returns of building a casino somewhere on the 640,000 acres of reservation land in Central Oregon. That analysis was mandated in July by James E. Cason, associate deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

"…Michael Lang, Friends' conservation director, said the directive by Cason indicates the tribe has failed to meet environmental standards and has 'significant problems' with both Gorge locations.

"…Bergstein said tribal officials were told that the study of a viable site on the reservation was precautionary. He said government leaders wanted to cover all of the bases in case Friends' carried through on its threats of litigation when a decision was made…"

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