The Coquille Tribe in Siletz, Oregon is awaiting approval from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs for an off-reservation, Class II casino in Medford, 160 miles away.
“We’re just kind of waiting like everyone else to hear from the federal government on the next steps to that process and when that final Environment Impact Statement will be prepared and approved,” Judy Farm, chief executive officer at Coquille’s economic development arm Tribal One, told local outlet KTVL.
Farm said a casino in Medford would “keep that revenue here in our community and not leave our community, as well as be a job creator.” An analysis determined the new casino would create 233 direct jobs and 373 indirect jobs, with an economic impact of $23.1 million.
The new casino would offer 600 gaming machines, attached to Roxy Ann Lanes, a 24-lane bowling alley and entertainment center.
The Medford City Council voted to remain neutral on the proposed casino. City officials are negotiating with the tribe to determine potential costs of city services the tribe would pay if the casino is approved.
“Discussions on those points are ongoing between my office and the Coquille Tribe. I’m really not in a position to make any public statement on what those numbers might be until we’ve got something hammered out,” City Attorney Mitton told KTVL.
One roadblock could be the opposition of the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe and other tribal nations. Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe Chief Executive Officer Michael Rondeau issued this statement:
“This project would be detrimental to the Cow Creek Tribe, other tribes and the entire state of Oregon. Allowing the Coquille Tribe to have a second casino 160 miles away from their reservation would open the door to casino expansions across the state, which Oregonians repeatedly and continue to oppose.
“It is curious that a council would be neutral on a development of this magnitude, especially because it has statewide implications and is not just about Medford. As elected officials representing the best interest of the people, their job is to engage in the kinds of developments and industries proposing to enter their community, and to look at the long-term impact it would have for future generations.
“We appreciate that several council members did want to take more time to truly understand the short and long-term significance. It is disappointing that this was not the majority of the sentiment.”
