On April 30, the National Indian Gaming Commission for the third time ruled the Ponca Tribe’s Prairie Flower Casino in Carter Lake, Iowa has the right to exist. As a result, Carter Lake Mayor Ron Cumberledge called for an end to litigation seeking to shut down the casino.
In an editorial in indianz.com, Cumberledge wrote, “For more than a decade, the state of Iowa, state of Nebraska and the city of Council Bluffs have been fighting to prevent the Ponca Tribe and Carter Lake from realizing the benefits of economic development and entertainment. In March, a District Court judge directed the National Indian Gaming Commission to consider a final set of factors. On April 30, the NIGC ruled for the third time in the Ponca Tribe’s favor. This latest decision represents another rejection of the legal arguments made by the plaintiffs in a court case aimed at closing the Prairie Flower Casino.”
Cumberledge continued, “As the leader of the city of Carter Lake, I hope this represents the end to the plaintiffs’ legal crusade. Prairie Flower Casino is critical to the future growth of Carter Lake and to the tribe’s ability to sustain critical services to its tribal members and the community.”
He noted the casino was developed “on a plot of land that was previously sitting vacant. The visitors coming to Carter Lake to enjoy Prairie Flower Casino are also visiting other town shops and restaurants, representing an economic catalyst for the city, county and the region.”
The casino helps support tribal services including healthcare, job training and cultural preservation, Cumberledge noted, and contributes $775,000 a year to Carter Lake to support police, fire and emergency responders and to help fund a variety of city improvements.
