Cowlitz casino strategy under fire

The Columbian last week used some of the harshest language yet regarding the Cowlitz Tribe's 2004 agreement with Clark County: "Tribe's discredited deal with Clark County ought to be taken out and set on fire," declared its editorial board Sept. 21.

This strong reaction comes as the Cowlitz Tribe's representatives once again attempt to make an "end run" around local governments. No sooner had a state growth board's June decision found the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be invalid than the tribe's lawyers began mounting an effort to wrap its contents into a federal gaming ordinance.

But one of the top federal decision-makers on the Cowlitz casino issue expressed concern in a Columbian article published last week. He said that putting the contents of the MOU in the federal ordinance would take enforcement of local provisions out of the county's hands and place them under federal control. The U.S. Department of the Interior has asked the tribe to find a different solution.

The tribe needs the contents of the MOU for three reasons: The MOU contains the county's pledge to provide services, such as water and law enforcement, to the land where the tribe's developer wants to build a casino; the MOU is an integral part of the casino-resort's Environmental Impact Statement, which mentions the MOU more than 150 times; and federal decision-makers look to the existence of MOUs as an indication of local support for casino projects.

Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt's recent letter to the National Indian Gaming Commission is right on: "The county's interests are better served by having no MOU in place than they would be by an uncertain and potentially ineffective federal effort."

>>Read other recent news about the MOU:
Court denies tribe's request
Tribe tries to "fix" MOU situation
Commissioners' choice: Protect MOU at all costs
>>Read about the invalid MOU.
>>Read about earlier MOU shenanigans.
>>Read about the secrets of the MOU.

Woodland considering resolution

Woodland City Council has been discussing whether the city should join the ranks of Vancouver and La Center, which have passed strongly worded resolutions against the proposed casino.

Woodland was designated a cooperating agency due to its proximity to the proposed casino site but has not been active in the Environmental Impact Statement process. At recent meetings, the Woodland City Council has discussed the possible impacts a casino at the La Center junction would have on its housing stock, which is some of the most affordable in the area, and schools. Woodland citizens have expressed concerns about how the casino would affect the local business community.

We will let you know when a draft resolution goes on the City Council agenda.