The city of Council Bluffs, Iowa recently filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court for the Southern District of Iowa to stop the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska from building a casino in Carter Lake, just seven miles away. The lawsuit claims the Ponca land is not eligible for a casino since it’s not part of the tribe’s “restored” Nebraska land. In addition, Council Bluffs City Attorney Richard Wade said a Ponca casino would cut into the $3 million the city receives in annual fees and taxes from existing casinos and $8 million casinos contribute to charities.
In November, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued a 41-page order affirming a 2007 decision allowing the Ponca Tribe to develop a casino on its Carter Lake property. The states of Iowa and Nebraska and the City of Council Bluffs argued against the decision which was remanded back to the NIGC.
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Chairman Larry Wright Jr. said the tribe’s proposed casino on 4.8 acres would feature 2,000 slot machines and a 15-150-room casino, and create 1,500 new jobs. “We see this as a win for the community of Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Council Bluffs and our people,” Wright said.
Regarding the lawsuit, Council Bluffs Councilman Nate Watson said, “It’s unfortunate we have to do this, but with the greatest respect to the commission, I believe it’s wrong.” But Carter Lake Councilman and Mayor-Elect Ron Cumberledge said, “It kind of confuses me. I don’t think anyone has listened to what the Ponca’s plans are.” Wade said the courts could take several months or a year to rule in the case.
