The Tule River Tribe of central California has taken another step towards relocating its casino. Last week a final environmental impact report for the proposal was published in the Federal Register.
Once the approval is granted, the tribe plans to relocate its Eagle Mountain Casino to 40 acres near the Porterville Airport Industrial Park, about 20 miles from the existing casino, which is considered in a remote area that stunts its profitability.
The land is not part of the tribe’s reservation, which means it must employ the two-part determination process of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which gives the governor of California a veto should he choose to exercise it.
The process is now in the public comment period before the final environmental impact statement is published. The period ends July 1.
Once that period closes the department can issue its decision, although it is under no timeline to do so.
Approval under the two-part determination is rare. Two of the casinos that have done so are in the Golden State. The Tule River Tribe’s application is different from those because it’s not a new casino, but a relocated one.
